ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates / ConSynSer / – Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, received Bavarian Minister-President Dr Markus Söder in Abu Dhabi on Monday, as the German regional leader made a working visit to the country. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to widening cooperation between the UAE and Bavaria. Their talks centered on priority sectors for future growth. These include the economy, advanced technology, conventional and renewable energy, innovation and industry.
Söder, who has led the government of Germany’s largest state by area since 2018, met the UAE President as economic ties between the two countries continue to grow. Discussions referred to Sheikh Mohamed’s recent visit to Germany and its positive outcomes for bilateral partnerships. The two sides explored ways to build on that momentum through long-term economic and development partnerships. They said these should support future industries, expand cooperation and enable the exchange of expertise.
In September, Sheikh Mohamed became the first UAE president to make a state visit to Germany. He held talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. The visit ran from September 9 to 11, and the UAE delegation included Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two countries launched a Strategic Dialogue and backed a German-UAE Investment Council. Companies from both sides signed 29 business agreements and memoranda valued at more than €9.35 billion.
Focus on global water security
Water security featured prominently in the talks. The two leaders discussed the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE will host in December. They underscored the conference’s role in advancing collective action and developing innovative solutions to water challenges. They also highlighted the importance of sustainable water security, which they described as essential to global development.
The UN conference will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, with Senegal as co-host. The venue is the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Sheikh Mohamed has previously discussed preparations for the event with Senegal’s president. The UAE has also been urging member states to take an active part in the conference. The previous UN Water Conference was held in New York in 2023.
Senior leaders join the talks
Several senior members of the UAE leadership attended the meeting. They included Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was also present.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, also attended. They were joined by a number of ministers and officials, as well as the Bavarian delegation. German-UAE trade reached about €13.6 billion in 2025, up roughly 15% from the previous year. Around 2,000 German companies operate in the UAE.