What are the future goals of the UAE-German strategic partnership? As I already told you, we want to strengthen the bilateral relations in all aspects. This approach consists in transfer of knowhow and technology by training, teaching and trading with each other. Germany is present in almost every field of activity in the UAE. Major German companies have made sizeable investments in principal sectors of the UAE economy including power, water, automotive industry, renewable energy, medical sector, engineering, consulting and infrastructure. The UAE also sees strong participation of German companies in petrochemicals and electronics industry.
“With more than 300 higher education institutions across the country, Germany has a density of universities that is practically unrivalled around the
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world.
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We have concluded an agreement to avoid double taxation which came into force last summer. In September 2012 we opened the UAE’s first German Logistics College at the Higher Colleges of Technology which will help Emiratis to qualify and operate successfully in the ever growing sector of logistics. Finally, we are grateful to our partners of ATIC, the Advanced Technology Investment Company of Mubadala, to continue a successful student exchange programme between ATIC and the semiconductor and chip producer, Globalfoundries at Dresden. What are the core areas of development that will form your chief focus for growth within the UAE and in turn transfer this growth into various opportunities back in Germany? Following the extraordinary vision of the founding father of the UAE Shaikh Zayed, educating the youth to become the natural treasure of the new nation is of paramount importance to the future of the UAE. Germany is eager to contribute to this overriding priority of state and society. We are proud to actively contribute to all levels of education. In three German international schools
with their large kindergartens at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, Emirati pupils are taught in a positive climate and a stimulating learning environment. At several Emirati universities, German teaching staff offers excellent academic services while a student exchange program also allows qualified Emirati students to continue their studies in Germany. I particularly encourage Emirati students to come to study in Germany primarily for the quality of teaching on offer. With more than 300 higher education institutions across the country, Germany has a density of universities that is practically unrivalled around the world. And proficiency in German is not mandatory as universities offer more than 500 international study courses in English leading to Bachelor’s or Master’s and PhD degree courses. Nevertheless, for those who would like to learn German, it might be interesting to know that German is the most spoken language in Europe, with more than 100 million native speakers. Basic skills in the language can be acquired at the Goethe Institute, our German Cultural Centre, which offers language classes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Could you highlight in particular the progress or initiation of steps toward tapping into alternative energy sources within the UAE? How is Germany assisting the UAE in developing technology and harnessing local resources to achieve this?
Wulff, also visited Masdar in December 2011. Amongst the approximately 30 German companies working with or for Masdar, E.ON, Siemens and Deutsche Bank are the outstanding samples of German participation in the UAE energy sector. Apart from a joint venture with Masdar for carbon abatement projects in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South East Asia, German energy provider E.ON also cooperates on the 1000 MW London Array offshore wind farm, the largest of its kind in the world. Last autumn, Siemens concluded a long-term strategic partnership with Masdar to implement an innovative power grid combined with advanced building technologies in the first phase of Masdar City. This will serve as both an energy efficient power solution and a living R&D platform. The partnership also covers collaboration in the field of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) which will involve research and development with the Masdar Institute. We also have Deutsche Bank with its
The Masdar Project and IRENA are two of the most important beacons of renewable energy in the UAE. Abu Dhabi is currently at the heart of the global oil and gas industry which - like the resources that power it - has a limited future. Therefore, looking to serve the interests of its people and the whole planet, the leadership of Abu Dhabi has made a bold commitment to renewable energy and sustainable technologies that will enable the emirate to remain a global energy leader, prepare its citizens for a post-oil future and help humankind find a development model that is sustainable. The vision and impact of the Masdar project has from the outset attracted Germany as a leader for renewable energy and stateof-the-art environmental technology. German Federal Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel was the first foreign head of government to pay a visit to the Masdar Institute in May 2010. Former President of the Federal Republic, Christian
$ 50 million shares of the Masdar Clean Tech Fund. BASF Chemical, Bauer (Compressors and Drillings), Bayer Material Science, Bosch, Linde Group (in co-operation with Borouge at Ruwais), Schott Solar (with Masdar) and many other well-known major German companies have also had a long association with the UAE energy sector. In the fascinating field of renewable energy, we are also focussing on the mission of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It was Germany, which together with like-minded countries that initiated the founding of IRENA. IRENA bases its mission on the global belief – which we all share – that renewable energy use must and will increase in the coming years because of its key role in enhancing energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating climate change. Above all the use of renewable energy alleviates energy poverty, supports sustainable development and boosts economic growth.
“The Masdar Project and IRENA are two of the most important beacons of renewable
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energy in the UAE.
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