State visit to Berlin: UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed ensures strict security measures

The sheikh is coming - and Berlin is closing down: residents in the German capital have to expect restrictions and closures until Friday because of a state visit.

Because Mohammed Bin Zayed, the President of the United Arab Emirates, has the highest security level. As local media (“Berliner Zeitung”, “B.Z.”) write, even the homeless in the government district had to give way. Numerous homeless people camped under a bridge, some in tents and other housing. They have been missing since this week.

It says this literally in the “B.Z.” (Like WELT, belongs to Axel Springer): "Mattresses, tents and scattered clothing have so far dominated the image under the bridge at the bend in the Spree. Since July, (Federal President Frank-Walter) Steinmeier has been living in a new building near the Chancellery while Bellevue Palace is being renovated. Because there is no park there for official ceremonies, receptions with military honors are now taking place on an adjacent street - with a direct view of the homeless camp."

Shortly before the Federal President welcomed the sheikh, the police cleared the area and, according to the media report, city cleaning also came.

The 65-year-old - his private assets are estimated at the equivalent of 30 billion euros - is likely to be at the highest risk level. It is also the first state visit of a President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Germany. Bin Zayed is staying in a luxury hotel in Charlottenburg, where residents must also expect road closures in the coming days.

In addition to the German Federal President, the President will also meet Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his multi-day visit. A state banquet is planned for Thursday evening, and the prominent guest will travel on to Munich on Friday.

Economic, foreign and security policy issues will be discussed during the state visit. There are also plans for a comprehensive cooperation agreement that would also include the expansion of data centers. The federal government is hoping for billions of euros in investments for the German economy.

The Minister of State in the UAE Foreign Ministry, Lana Nusseibeh, had already announced in an interview with WELT that “40 to 45 agreements between governments and companies are expected to be signed during the state visit – with investments worth billions in the German economy and, conversely, opportunities for German companies in the Emirates.”