Historian and conflict researcher Roman Dickert considered that Germany's dealings with the United Arab Emirates, in light of the accusations against it regarding its role in the Sudan war, represented a "deadly signal," criticizing the continuation of the strategic partnership between Berlin and Abu Dhabi and the conclusion of new deals with them.
The UAE intends to invest 40 billion euros in Germany, according to what the UAE side announced today, Thursday (September 10, 2026), during the state visit of President Mohammed bin Zayed to Germany.
According to the data, during the visit, 29 trade deals were also signed between German and Emirati companies, with a total value of approximately 4.9 billion euros.
A joint statement said that the investment package confirms the two countries’ efforts to deepen their strategic partnership, and it also demonstrates “the UAE’s confidence in Germany as a leading location for investment, innovation and industrial growth.”
Emirati assistance to the Rapid Support Forces
In statements to the German Evangelical News Agency (EPD), ahead of the visit of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Berlin on Thursday, Deckert said that the German government granted the UAE an “innocence document” regarding its role in the Sudanese war. He added that, from his point of view, the UAE is “one of the main supporters” of the Rapid Support Forces militia.
The Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army have been fighting a violent war since 2023, which, according to international organizations, has led to one of the worst hunger and displacement crises in the modern era. The Rapid Support Forces are accused of committing widespread violations and war crimes. Last week, United Nations experts criticized the pivotal role of external support to the warring parties, and pointed to Emirati assistance to the Rapid Support Forces through personnel and weapons. The UAE denies these accusations.
'Very clear' evidence
Dickert criticized what he described as the warm reception received by the Emirati President during his visit to Germany, through an official banquet hosted by the German President, in addition to a round table with the defense industries sector. He described this as "the culmination of double standards."
This morning, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed began a two-day state visit to Germany. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received Sheikh Mohammed in Berlin with an official ceremony, where they reviewed a guard of honour. This afternoon, Bin Zayed met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Dickert pointed out that journalists, analysts and human rights defenders have spoken since the beginning of the Sudanese war about an Emirati role supporting the Rapid Support Forces. According to him, several independent investigations related to financial flows and flight data prove these accusations “very clearly,” while the UAE continues to deny them.
Criticism behind closed doors
Dickert explained that Germany is not the only Western country that deals with the UAE in this way, noting that no Western government has publicly named the UAE as a supporter of the Rapid Support Forces. He added that diplomatic circles say that the UAE should not be criticized publicly, but rather pressured using influence behind closed doors. But he felt that, if that had actually happened, it "did not produce results."
Dickert believes that the continuation of the strategic partnership between Germany and the UAE and the conclusion of huge deals is also linked to the UAE’s success in presenting itself as a party combating “political Islam.” He criticized the German government's decisions related to strengthening relations with Abu Dhabi, considering them to have "strong symbolism." He called for freezing arms exports to what he described as "warmongers" instead of expanding them.
The director of Human Rights Watch's office in Germany, Philipp Frisch, said, "The lack of will on the part of the German government to publicly address the disastrous role of the UAE in Sudan is extremely worrying."
Edited by: A.J.M
