Strengthening Tech Ties: UAE’s Successful Visit to Germany

A recent delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by Omran Sharaf, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, marked a significant step towards enhancing cooperation in the technology sector between the UAE and Germany. This successful visit not only emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration in science and innovation but also showcased the commitment of both nations to fostering a forward-looking partnership.

GITEX Europe: A Platform for Innovation

The mission kicked off in Berlin, where the UAE delegation participated in GITEX Europe, one of the most prominent tech fairs in the region. This event served as a vibrant platform for showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements and providing networking opportunities for industry leaders. GITEX is renowned for connecting international companies with potential partners, making it a strategic starting point for the delegation’s goals in Germany.

High-Level Bilateral Meetings

Throughout the visit, Sharaf engaged in high-level talks with key figures in the German government. Notable meetings included discussions with:

• Dr. Karsten Wildberger, the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernization.
• Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space.
• Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy.

These discussions aimed to explore synergies and align interests in various technological initiatives, showcasing the UAE’s intent to deepen its technological footprint in Germany.

Economic Development through NUMOV

In addition to bilateral talks, the UAE delegation participated in a roundtable organized by NUMOV (the German-Arab Association for Economic Development), one of Germany’s largest organizations dedicated to promoting economic ties between Germany and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries. This gathering provided a dynamic forum for discussing opportunities for economic collaboration, enabling representatives from both nations to share insights and strategies for mutual growth.

Innovating at the Merantix AI Campus

The delegation’s itinerary also included a visit to the Merantix AI Campus, a hub for AI innovation in Berlin. This visit highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence in contemporary technological dialogues. Engaging with startups and innovators at the campus allowed the UAE team to gain insights into Germany’s burgeoning AI landscape, fostering ideas for future collaborations in this pivotal field.

TECH25 Conference: Engaging with Industry Leaders

Another highlight was Sharaf’s participation in the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he engaged with industry leaders and innovators, discussing the future of advanced technologies. The conference provided a valuable space for dialogue about emerging trends in technology, with opportunities for the UAE delegation to articulate its vision for innovation and technological advancement.

Furthermore, during an interview hosted by Handelsblatt, Sharaf was able to share the UAE’s strategic goals and initiatives, further amplifying awareness and interest in the region’s technological capabilities.

Building Connections in Stuttgart

The UAE delegation also made significant stops in Stuttgart, conducting meetings with various government entities. These discussions included engagement with:

• Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance
• Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie markt

These high-level interactions were pivotal, as they aimed to secure further investments and collaborations that would yield benefits to both the UAE and German technological ecosystems.

A United Vision for Future Innovation

Underpinning this multifaceted visit was a shared commitment to international partnerships aimed at fostering innovation. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of collaboration in enhancing global technology security and advancing collective progress in research and development. By bringing together key stakeholders from both nations, the visit encapsulated a unified approach to addressing global challenges and leveraging opportunities in technology.

The delegation included prominent figures such as Ahmed Alattar, the UAE Ambassador to Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser. Their participation exemplified the UAE’s strong focus on building relationships that can facilitate growth and innovation.

This visit not only opened new avenues for collaboration but also laid the groundwork for a future where both countries can thrive and lead in technological advancements, ultimately benefiting a wider global community.