Strengthening Bilateral Business Relations
Amna Lootah, the Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity, recently highlighted a significant agreement aimed at enhancing the economic ties between the UAE and Germany. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations reached an impressive Dh50.68 billion (approximately $13.8 billion), marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year. This partnership is poised to further solidify these economic connections.
“This collaboration sets the stage for a new era of growth and expansion for German enterprises, particularly in sectors such as future industries, trade, logistics, and technology,” Lootah stated. She emphasized that this initiative aligns seamlessly with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of the economy and boost its global competitiveness.
Sybille Pfaff, the Consul General of Germany in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, echoed these sentiments, describing the partnership as a leap forward in innovation-driven collaboration. “Germany and the UAE have a robust economic relationship, and this initiative will elevate our cooperation in innovation and technology. Dubai serves as an ideal platform for German companies aiming to expand their regional footprint,” she remarked.
Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of AHK, noted that this agreement simplifies access for German businesses to Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem. “This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for German firms to enhance their presence in Dubai and the broader region by tapping into DIEZ’s advanced infrastructure and innovation-centric environment,” he explained.
Key Initiatives Under the Partnership
The agreement introduces several strategic mechanisms designed to facilitate German business operations in Dubai, including:
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A dedicated “German Desk” to assist with company setup, onboarding, and ongoing operations.
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A “Fast Lane” for German exporters and cargo through Dubai Airport Freezone, streamlining trade, logistics, and customs processes.
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A collaborative industrial innovation platform focused on Industry 4.0, sustainability, and smart manufacturing, featuring a new innovation hub at Dubai Silicon Oasis for pilot projects.
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Incentive packages tailored for German e-commerce and logistics firms through Dubai CommerCity.
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Support for German startups entering the UAE market via Oraseya Capital and Wadi.AI, along with reciprocal access for UAE startups to the German innovation network.
German Presence in DIEZ Zones
Currently, over 200 German companies are operating within the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ), including notable names like Airbus, DHL, Henkel, Porsche, Wacker, Beckhoff, and Audi VW. This strong presence underscores the growing interest of German businesses in the UAE market.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, stated that the new framework will further integrate German innovation with Dubai’s knowledge-based economy. “The UAE’s business ecosystem is continually evolving to attract high-value industries and advanced technologies, and this partnership will accelerate that growth,” he noted.
