On September 11, 2026, Dubai Business Consulting had the special opportunity to participate in the German-Emirati Economic Forum at the renowned Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, as well as in the accompanying business roundtable.
The timing could hardly have been more significant: The forum took place as part of the historic state visit to Germany by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The focus was on further deepening German-Emirati economic relations and, in particular, on how political agreements can lead to concrete investments, projects, and business partnerships.
40 billion euros for Germany – 10 billion for Bavaria
One of the key messages of the state visit was the United Arab Emirates’ announcement that it would expand its investments in Germany by approximately 40 billion euros in the coming years. Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the announced willingness to invest as a strong signal for Germany as a center of business and innovation.
Bavaria plays a particularly important role in this regard.
As part of the agreements, an investment partnership was announced under which the UAE plans to invest 10 billion euros in Bavaria over the next ten years. The vbw—Association of the Bavarian Economy—and the Germany-UAE Business Council signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect.
This once again positions Bavaria as one of the most important European hubs for industry, technology, and innovation for Emirati capital.
Of particular interest are the areas where Bavarian expertise and Emirati investment interests directly complement one another:
- Industry and Manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers
- Advanced Technology
- Robotics and Automation
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Chemistry
- Defense
- MedTech and Innovative Healthcare Solutions
- Startups and technology-oriented small and medium-sized businesses
It is precisely at this intersection that a significant part of DBC’s work takes place.
Bavaria and the UAE: Capital Meets Industrial Expertise
What particularly impressed us about the discussions was the great openness and genuine interest shown by our Emirati counterparts in German—and especially Bavarian—companies and technologies.
The UAE has enormous investment capital, a highly dynamic business environment, and a clear strategic vision for the coming decades. At the same time, Emirati investors and companies are seeking international expertise, innovative technologies, industrial partnerships, and reliable European business partners.
Bavaria, for its part, boasts an exceptionally strong industrial base, a highly skilled workforce, a dynamic small and medium-sized business sector, and tremendous expertise in research, development, and high-tech.
That is why this combination is extremely interesting:
Emirati capital and market access meet German engineering expertise, technology, and industrial implementation capabilities.
This is precisely what can give rise to new business models, joint ventures, investments, and long-term partnerships.
Business Roundtable: From Broad Policy to Concrete Projects
The personal exchange during the business roundtable was particularly valuable to us.
The focus there was not just on general political objectives, but very specifically on the development of the sectors of industry, manufacturing, advanced technology, robotics, and medtech.
These topics are of particular importance to the DBC because they represent the very interface between European companies and the dynamic economic region of the United Arab Emirates.
During the discussions, it became clear that the Emirati side has a very concrete interest in identifying international companies and technologies that are relevant to the development of its own business environment.
This is an important point for us:
The next phase of German-Emirati cooperation will not be defined solely by major political agreements. What will be crucial is turning these agreements into concrete projects and business relationships.
And this is precisely where an experienced business development and consulting firm like DBC can play a key bridging role.
A historic moment for German-Emirati economic relations
The state visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the accompanying economic agreements mark an important new chapter in relations between Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
The announced investments of 40 billion euros in Germany and the planned investment partnership worth 10 billion euros for Bavaria alone demonstrate the scale of these ambitions.
At the same time, it is important to put these figures into perspective: These are announced or targeted investments. What will be decisive now is their implementation—that is, which projects are actually carried out, which companies are involved, and what value is created as a result in Germany and the UAE.
Yet that is precisely where a great opportunity lies.
Because now the real work begins:
Identify projects. Bring partners together. Structure investments. Transfer technologies. Tap into markets. And build long-term business relationships.
An Opportunity for German Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
From our perspective, one of the greatest opportunities presented by this development lies in German small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those in Bavaria.
Many small and medium-sized enterprises have outstanding technologies, products, and industrial solutions, but have had little or no access to the Gulf market to date.
At the same time, there is great interest on the Emirati side in innovative technologies and specialized German companies.
This is where intermediaries and consultants can play a crucial role: They must understand both sides and be able to forge concrete business ties based on that understanding.
For the DBC, this means:
We want to actively capitalize on this momentum and support European companies in tapping into opportunities in the United Arab Emirates—while also connecting Emirati investors and companies with suitable European partners.
Munich was just the beginning—now it’s time to put it into practice
The German-Emirati Economic Forum on September 11, 2026, was a very important event for us personally.
It has shown that there is a willingness on both sides to engage in more intensive economic cooperation.
Above all, however, the personal discussions have shown that behind the grand political announcements lie concrete economic interests and projects.
So, when it comes to the DBC, there’s one thing above all else we’re taking away from Munich:
The next major phase of German-Emirati economic relations has begun.
And we want to do our part to ensure that the billions in investments that have been announced translate into concrete projects, new partnerships, and sustainable business success.
The UAE and Germany have complementary strengths.
Capital meets technology. Innovation meets industrial expertise. Entrepreneurship meets new markets, and personal relationships lay the foundation for long-term success.
We are very much looking forward to continuing the discussions that began in Munich and, together with our partners, turning the resulting opportunities into concrete projects.
