Dubai’s Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has signed a strategic partnership with the German–Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) to strengthen the presence of German companies in the UAE and the wider region.
The agreement, unveiled at Dubai CommerCity, aims to position Dubai’s economic zones as a preferred hub for German investment and innovation.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including H.E. Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of Germany in Dubai, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity, and Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of AHK. The agreement was formalized by Lootah and Henkelmann, witnessed by Pfaff and Al Zarooni.
The partnership focuses on facilitating German company entry through fast-track processes, a dedicated “German Desk,” and tailored incentives. Priority areas include Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, sustainability, and digital commerce, with the creation of an innovation hub at Dubai Silicon Oasis and a “DAFZ-Germany Fast Lane” at Dubai Airport Freezone to support logistics and trade.
Officials emphasized the broader economic potential of the collaboration. H.E. Sybille Pfaff highlighted Dubai as an ideal regional platform for German companies, while Lootah said the initiative aligns with Dubai’s D33 agenda to double the emirate’s economy and attract global investment.
Economic ties between the UAE and Germany have strengthened in recent years, with non-oil trade reaching AED 50.68 billion (USD 13.8 billion) in 2024, a 5.4% increase from 2023. DIEZ’s zones already host over 200 German companies, including global names such as Airbus, Porsche, DHL, and Henkel, spanning logistics, digital commerce, and industrial sectors.
Dr. Henkelmann described the partnership as a platform for innovation and knowledge exchange, offering German businesses opportunities to expand in advanced sectors while fostering stronger bilateral economic and technological ties.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
