Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Germany date back to May 1972, shortly after the foundation of the UAE. Since then, the two nations have forged a bond that is strengthening on all fronts. “Ours is a strategic partnership underpinned by common interests and economic links as well as personal friendships and people-to-people contacts,” says German Ambassador Dr Eckhard Lübkemeier. He explains to GN Focus what this entails.
On the refugee situation…
In a march of the desperate millions, people are fleeing from war and violence, from poverty and oppression. The media call it the refugee crisis. That is a misnomer. It isn’t the refugees that are causing the crisis. Rather, unending conflicts and persistent misery are forcing and prompting people to set out on a journey that has cost thousands of them their lives.
Germany has taken in considerably more refugees than any other state in Europe and in countless humanitarian gestures, German people are providing support to those arriving in Germany. But we will not be able to provide a decent living for all refugees and migrants. Our president has put it this way: “We want to help. Our hearts are wide open. But our possibilities are limited.”
Rather, what is needed is a humane as well as a collective response, not only on a European, but on a global level. Just as we all benefit from the bright side of global trade, transport and communication, we share a global responsibility to address and alleviate the root causes of involuntary migration.
On partnerships…
Currently, political cooperation between the UAE and Germany focuses on working together in the international anti-Daesh coalition as well as on ending regional conflicts and alleviating their humanitarian costs.
Economically, Germany and the UAE have extensive trade and investment links; in particular, German technology and expertise are contributing to the UAE’s key objectives of diversifying its economy and becoming a hub for innovation and knowledge-based development. To this end, we are also striving to attract more young Emiratis to enrol at German universities or benefit from our top-notch vocational-training schemes.
Promoting people-to-people contacts and better mutual understanding are the key objectives of our educational and cultural institutions operating in the UAE. We are pleased to report that nearly 50 Emirati children are currently enrolled at the German International School Abu Dhabi and its kindergarten. The Goethe Institute offers German language courses and organises cultural events throughout the UAE.
We are honoured to be one of only three countries selected by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Court for its Youth Ambassadors Programme. By learning German, going on field trips to Germany and eventually studying in Germany, the Emirati students taking part in this remarkable initiative will become bridge-builders and forge precious personal bonds between our two nations.
On trade…
German exports to the UAE amounted to more than €11.4 billion (about Dh46 billion) last year, up 15 per cent from 2013, while imports from the UAE ranged at €750 million — the gap being largely due to the fact that Germany doesn’t import oil and gas from the UAE.
There has been a steady growth in bilateral trade. In the first half of this year, exports from Germany have risen by more than 32 per cent over the same period in 2014 to €6.4 billion, while imports from the UAE accelerated by almost 35 per cent to €490 million euros. Based on the figures for the first half of 2015, we expect a total trade volume of approximately €13 billion this year.
Germany mainly supplies aircraft (Airbus), cars (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) and its components, machinery, as well as chemical products and electronic goods, while it imports non-ferrous metals, especially aluminium, and chemical products.
On investment opportunities…
While the UAE market is highly competitive and increasingly price sensitive, the UAE’s dynamic economic development will offer plenty of opportunities to further expand our trade and investment relationship.
German companies, be they large or small and medium sized, excel in technological expertise, quality and reliability. Among the sectors with a high potential for growth and business opportunities for German companies are petrochemicals and plastics, energy and water efficiency, renewable energy technology, construction, infrastructure and public transport, healthcare and education (especially vocational training) as well as exploration of natural gas.
On tourism…
German tourists are flocking to the UAE. We expect more than 800,000 from Germany to visit the UAE this year. Most of them go to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Ras Al Khaimah also being a very attractive destination. German tourists are attracted by the natural beauty of this country, the endless sunshine, the clean sandy beaches, and first-class hotels and service. There is no comparable destination in within a six-hour flight radius from Germany.
Last year, we issued more than 50,000 short-term visas for UAE nationals travelling to Germany and just short of 25,000 for travels from foreign residents within the UAE. Since May 6, 2015, UAE nationals have been entitled to visa-free travel to the EU. However, the total number of visas issued to non-UAE nationals in 2015 so far has not dropped in comparison with last year, but rather increased. This is evidence of the attractiveness of Germany as a travel destination for UAE residents.
On community…
According to UAE statistics, there are about 14,000 Germans in the UAE, mainly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. German expats regularly attend events that are on the rich cultural menu of the UAE: classical concerts as well as rock and pop concerts, exhibitions and fairs, as well as sport activities and events. And for the irresistible traditional bratwurst far away from home, German expats can go and celebrate with international guests at the increasingly popular Oktoberfest events.
To our knowledge, there are also about 350 UAE nationals residing in Germany.
On personal highlights…
Experiencing the warm-heartedness of the Emirati people. An Irish proverb goes, “A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet.” Having lived in this country for about a year now, I would rephrase it like this: “A stranger is a friend an Emirati hasn’t met yet.”
My wife and I have been given a warm welcome by the Emirati people. Their friendliness and hospitality has stood the test of rapidly changing times.
