DIEZ and German–Emirati Council Forge Strategic Pact to Accelerate German Investment in Dubai

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has entered into a strategic partnership with the German–Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) to deepen bilateral trade ties and attract more German investment to Dubai’s fast-growing innovation and technology sectors.

The agreement, signed at Dubai CommerCity, establishes a framework to support the expansion of German enterprises across DIEZ’s three key zones — Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity (DCC). It aims to foster collaboration in Industry 4.0, sustainability, smart manufacturing, and digital trade, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 to double the emirate’s economy and global competitiveness over the next decade.

The signing ceremony brought together Amna Lootah, Director General of DAFZ and DCC, and Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of AHK, in the presence of Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, and Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of Germany in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Strengthening Bilateral Economic Momentum

Lootah said the partnership builds upon a long-standing UAE–Germany economic relationship, with non-oil trade reaching AED 50.68 billion (USD 13.8 billion) in 2024 — a 5.4% increase compared to the previous year.

“This agreement marks a new chapter for German companies seeking to grow in Dubai’s innovation-led economy,” Lootah said. “It reflects our shared commitment to advancing trade, logistics, and future technologies while supporting Dubai’s vision under D33.”

Pfaff called the initiative a milestone in innovation-led cooperation. “Germany and the UAE share a robust economic bond. This partnership will further elevate our collaboration in technology and sustainability, with Dubai serving as an ideal gateway for German enterprises to scale across the region,” she said.

Dr. Henkelmann highlighted that the partnership gives German businesses streamlined access to Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. “With DIEZ’s advanced infrastructure and business-friendly environment, German firms can expand efficiently and tap into new growth opportunities across the Middle East,” he said.

Key Initiatives To Facilitate Market Entry In Collaboration With DIEZ

Under the agreement, several initiatives will be rolled out to simplify operations and boost investment flow:

• Establishment of a “German Desk” to support market entry, setup, and licensing for German firms.
• Introduction of a “Fast Lane” system at Dubai Airport Freezone to facilitate trade, logistics, and customs clearance for German exporters.
• Development of a joint industrial innovation platform focused on Industry 4.0, sustainability, and smart manufacturing — including a new innovation hub at Dubai Silicon Oasis for pilot projects.
• Tailored incentive programs for German e-commerce and logistics companies via Dubai CommerCity.
• Startup collaboration programs enabling German startups to enter the UAE market through Oraseya Capital and Wadi.AI, while giving UAE startups reciprocal access to German innovation networks.

Expanding German Footprint In Dubai’s Innovation Zones

More than 200 German companies currently operate across DIEZ’s integrated economic zones, including global names such as Airbus, DHL, Henkel, Porsche, Wacker, Beckhoff, and Audi VW.

DIEZ Executive Chairman Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said the collaboration will accelerate Dubai’s transition toward a knowledge-driven economy. “By aligning German innovation with Dubai’s advanced industrial and digital capabilities, this partnership will catalyze the growth of future industries and attract high-value investment,” he said.

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