A strategic partnership

The United Arab Emirates is much more than just an excellent trading and exchange partner with the Federal Republic of Germany. Both countries are strategic partners, meaning that the governments regularly consult each other on political, security, economic, scientific and cultural issues. The result is a close, trusting relationship between the two nations.

Visits by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to Germany in February 2008, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paying a visit to Chancellor Angela Merkel in January 2009, helped to cement this strong bond between the two nations. The exchange of high-ranking visitors from both nations has been frequent over the years.

Rise in trade

Relations between the UAE and Germany continue to prosper, with trade figures during 2008 and 2009 increasing at a steady rate. "The dynamics of German-Emirati relations could not be hampered by the global economic crisis. I am convinced that this will continue in 2010," says Klaus-Peter Brandes, German Ambassador to the UAE. In 2008, German exports increased by 40 per cent to $11.8 billion (about Dh43.34 billion), making the UAE the most important German export market in the Arab world, while UAE exports to Germany rose to $844 million (about Dh3.1 billion). In the first half of 2009 German exports to the UAE came close to $4 million (about Dh14.6 million), UAE exports to Germany reached $357.5 million (about Dh1.3 billion), which was slightly above the 2008 levels.

Driving exports

The major German export to the UAE continues to be automobiles. "One of the top German export goods you can spot on any street in the UAE are cars," says the ambassador. "Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen or Audi together with utility vehicles add up to 20 per cent of German exports into the country. Of similar importance is German machinery, which can be found in many UAE production sites.

Energy and electrical devices as well as communication technology contribute to 10 per cent of German exports to the UAE. I am particularly happy to see a growing portion of renewable energy technology being part of UAE imports from Germany. Thus, my country can contribute to one of the most promising innovation areas in the UAE."

The variety of UAE goods exported to Germany is on the increase, with major items including aluminium, organic oils, minerals, textiles and electronic devices. This two-way growth in trade has led to the UAE becoming the most important German trading partner in the Arab world. "Our exports to the UAE are higher than those to Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Iran or Hong Kong," says the ambassador. "They are three times higher than those to Egypt. This reflects the leading role of the UAE in international trade.

"I would like to underline that the mutual appreciation goes beyond trade. German companies are increasingly investing in production and in particular human resources in their operations in the UAE. This is a significant contribution to the increasingly knowledge-based economy in the Gulf. UAE investors on their side are realising the technological-based strength of German companies, which opens up excellent opportunities for future joint ventures," says the ambassador.

Expat community

The estimated number of Germans living in the UAE is about 10,000 with around 6,000 in Dubai. "Initially Germans coming to the UAE would have been asked to do so by their companies, ensuring the quality of products and services exported to the Emirates," says the ambassador.

"With the amazing economic growth and high standard of living, we can observe more and more Germans coming on their own initiative, providing their knowledge and their experience in different sectors, such as energy, industry, hospitality and services."

The number of German tourists is also high, with around 500,000 visiting the UAE in 2008. In addition to an increase in exchange of tourists between the two countries, the ambassador would like to see more young Emiratis visiting and studying in Germany. "There are more than 300 higher education institutions across the country, meaning Germany has an amount of universities that is unrivalled around the world.

"With an open-minded society, a huge variety of cultural activities and, in particular, excellent universities, Germany has a lot to offer. On top of this, tuition fees and the cost of living are very low for international students."

This year Germany celebrates 60 years since the German Basic Law was enacted, symbolising the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany and 20 years since the Berlin Wall came down. "We are celebrating the anniversary of these events with a series of exhibitions, discussions, movie nights on Berlin and related topics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, together with the Goethe-Institut, the Federal Republic of Germany's cultural institution, operational worldwide," says the ambassador. n

On The Lighter Side

Ambassador Klaus-Peter Brandes has lived in Abu Dhabi with his wife Ulla since July 2007. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf, hiking in the mountains and exploring the UAE countryside. When not consumed with diplomatic activities he enjoys nothing more than relaxing with a good book. A native of Frankfurt, the ambassador has fond memories of the mountains in his homeland; particularly during Christmas time. "I do miss the Christmas atmosphere a bit — and the snow that comes with it," he says.

— G.D.