Germany is intensifying ties with key Gulf states — Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — as a steady stream of ministerial visits underlines growing cooperation on energy and defence. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) have both travelled to the region recently. Reiche warned that when traditional partnerships weaken, Germany must “look for new partners,” and she signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi energy minister.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE in quick succession, aiming to expand economic links and secure more reliable energy arrangements at a time when Europe and Germany are re-evaluating their dependence on the United States. Berlin is describing these initiatives as part of “new strategic partnerships,” following Merz’s trip to India and ahead of a planned visit to China.
Energy is central to the outreach. Historically a buyer of Gulf oil, Germany’s exposure to gas has grown since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU has reduced its reliance on Russian pipeline gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) now accounts for roughly 10% of Germany’s gas supply; about 30% of Germany’s LNG imports in 2024 came from the United States. German officials believe Gulf suppliers, notably Saudi Arabia and Qatar, could step in to diversify deliveries.
DW chief correspondent Michaela Küfner, travelling with Merz, observed that Washington’s current role as a main LNG supplier could be partly replaced by Middle Eastern exporters — a shift that may require more lenient German policies on arms exports. Riyadh and Doha have expressed interest in acquiring the Airbus A400M transport plane, and energy talks have sometimes been delayed by differing contract expectations: Qatar has pushed for long-term deals while Germany preferred shorter terms. The government now indicates greater flexibility on contractual length.
Merz will be accompanied by a large business delegation. In Germany, observers will watch whether he raises human rights concerns. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius acknowledged reforms in Saudi Arabia that have “enabled improvements in women’s rights,” while stressing that “much remains to be done, and further progress is needed.”
Broader regional tensions frame the trip: protests in Iran raise questions about potential outside intervention, and the Gaza war — together with shifting US policy — continues to shape Gulf diplomacy. Controversy has also surrounded former US President Donald Trump’s new “Board of Peace,” created to help address the Gaza conflict and including Qatar; Israel has voiced objections, and Germany has expressed limited interest in the council because it was positioned as an alternative to the United Nations. Kornelius said Germany is aware of Israel’s concerns but underlined that bilateral relations evolve in ways Germany does not always need to comment on.
Every word of Merz’s diplomacy is likely to be scrutinised as Berlin balances economic cooperation, energy security and human rights considerations in its expanding engagement with the Gulf.