German business presence in Abu Dhabi has recorded a significant increase, with membership at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry rising by 17 percent year-on-year as of the end of August 2025. The increase marks a notable uptick in bilateral economic engagement between the UAE and Germany. The data reflects a growing volume of business activity between the two countries, supported by a stable regulatory environment in Abu Dhabi and strong trade relations. According to official figures, non-oil trade between the UAE and Germany exceeded AED 50 billion (US$13.8 billion) in 2024, up 5.4 percent compared to the previous year.
As part of efforts to strengthen these economic ties, a UAE economic delegation is scheduled to visit Germany from September 15 to 18. The delegation will meet with German government and industry officials to discuss ongoing cooperation in key sectors and review investment opportunities. The visit is being coordinated through official channels and aligns with current trade and investment frameworks in place between the two nations.
German companies operating in Abu Dhabi are active across multiple sectors including engineering, energy, aviation, logistics and financial services. Their presence has expanded in recent years, supported by Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure, legal framework and access to regional and global markets. The emirate offers a licensing system that facilitates foreign business registration and ownership, contributing to higher levels of participation by international firms.
Emirati institutions maintain strong presence in Germany
At the same time, Emirati entities have increased their operations in Germany. Organizations such as Mubadala, DP World, Emirates Airline, dnata, Dubai Islamic Bank and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) maintain commercial activities in the German market. These include investments in aircraft maintenance, port and logistics operations, financial services and clean energy initiatives. The involvement of these institutions reflects existing cross-border commercial activity that has been formalized through investment partnerships and government-to-government agreements.
Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said the rise in German company registrations is consistent with the Chamber’s objectives to facilitate global trade partnerships. He stated that the Chamber is focused on supporting the private sector through digital services, structured dialogue between businesses and government entities, and targeted programs for entrepreneurs and family-owned companies. The Chamber is currently implementing its 2025–2028 roadmap, which includes a focus on economic diversification, technological development and international market access.
Roadmap 2025–2028 outlines strategic focus
Areas of engagement identified for increased cooperation include manufacturing, logistics, advanced technologies and renewable energy. Abu Dhabi continues to serve as a commercial entry point to the Gulf Cooperation Council and broader Middle East region. With free zones, tax incentives and bilateral agreements, the emirate has positioned itself as a location for multinational enterprises seeking regional operations centers. The recent increase in foreign company registrations, including those from Germany, reflects measurable growth in the emirate’s non-oil economic base.
The UAE and Germany maintain longstanding diplomatic and trade relations, supported by agreements in the areas of investment protection, double taxation avoidance and industrial collaboration. Both countries have participated in multiple trade missions and joint business councils, contributing to a framework of cooperation based on formal mechanisms and economic alignment. The latest figures from the Abu Dhabi Chamber reinforce ongoing developments in foreign direct investment and private sector expansion within the emirate. – By Content Syndication Services.