UAE to Invest $46 Billion in Germany Across Energy, Defence and Digital Sectors

The United Arab Emirates has decided to invest $46 billion in various sectors of the German economy — from artificial intelligence to energy and defence — in a move aimed at deepening its strategic partnership in Europe, according to a Bloomberg report published by Forbes Russia.

The announcement was made by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi in an interview with Bloomberg TV in Berlin. The investment is intended to “confirm the long-standing relations and historic partnership” between the two countries, he said.

Bavaria first, other regions to follow

Al Zeyoudi said about $10 billion of the total is planned for investment in Bavaria, while the remainder will be directed to the development of regions where cooperation opportunities emerge. He stressed that the current commitment is not the final word: “$40 billion is only the beginning. We will look for more promising opportunities that will take these relations to a new level.”

Data centres and defence in focus

As Bloomberg notes, data centres and artificial intelligence have become a central element of the UAE’s plans to diversify its economy and expand its political influence. The report also points to the security dimension: against the backdrop of the war with Iran, now in its seventh month, the UAE is especially interested in expanding defence ties beyond the United States.

“The conflict is something we are dealing with. We are maneuvering, overcoming geopolitical challenges,” Al Zeyoudi said when asked about the regional situation.

A wider European investment map

The new commitments to Germany add to Abu Dhabi’s previously announced investment pledges across the region. According to Bloomberg, the tally now includes:

• $40 billion committed to Italy;
• $51 billion committed to Turkey;
• $46 billion earmarked for Germany, including about $10 billion for Bavaria.

Separately, the Forbes Russia report recalls that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in an interview with Bild that Berlin is dissatisfied with the volume of Ukraine’s orders placed with German defence enterprises. He urged Kyiv to involve German industry more actively in weapons procurement, taking into account the interests of Berlin as Ukraine’s largest supporter.