UAE, Germany Launch Biz Council to Boost Economic Ties
By : Sandhya
**UAE and Germany Launch UAE-Germany Business Council to Strengthen Strategic Economic Ties**
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to Germany, and Katharina Reiche, German Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, officially launched the UAE-Germany Business Council (GUBC) during a high-level ceremony in Berlin. The event, attended by over 150 senior officials and business leaders from both countries, was a key part of Dr. Al Jaber’s official visit to Germany.
The creation of the UAE-Germany Business Council underscores the strong, five-decade partnership between the two nations and aims to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, and sustainable development amid an evolving global landscape.
Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, *“In line with our leadership’s vision to forge impactful partnerships that advance inclusive progress, we are committed to deepening the UAE-Germany relationship. The Council will create new pathways for collaboration, empower the private sector, and promote sustainable economic growth.”*
The Council’s charter was formally signed during the ceremony by Musabbeh Al Kaabi, representing the UAE, and Günther Oettinger, former Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, who co-chairs the Council on behalf of Germany. Al Kaabi, also Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth at ADNOC, said, *“Our countries share a forward-looking vision. Through innovation and cooperation, the Council will fast-track joint efforts in sustainability and global progress.”*
As part of the event, Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy pioneer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg), one of Europe’s leading energy companies. The agreement will explore collaboration on battery energy storage systems in Germany and the UK, as well as potential joint ventures in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and other renewable technologies.
Dr. Al Jaber's visit to Berlin included a series of high-level meetings with senior German government officials and private sector leaders, accompanied by UAE Ambassador Ahmed Al Attar. These included engagements with:
* Dr. Johann David Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs
* Serap Güler, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office
* Katharina Reiche, Minister of Economy and Energy
* Thorsten Frei, Head of the Federal Chancellery and Minister of State for Special Tasks
* Dr. Levin Holle, Director General for Economic, Financial, and Climate Policy and the Chancellor’s G7/G20 Sherpa
* Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia
The discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties, enhancing economic and diplomatic cooperation, and expanding joint efforts in energy, industry, infrastructure, trade, investment, healthcare, and tourism.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting private sector engagement and fostering a business-friendly environment, recognizing the critical role of entrepreneurship in driving sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.