H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei explores enhanced collaboration with Germany, EU, and Czech Republic in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation

Meetings highlight initiatives launched by the UAE to support the growth of the entrepreneurial sector

H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, held meetings with ministers and senior officials from the European Union, Germany, and the Czech Republic to strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities in entrepreneurship and SME development. Taking place on the sidelines of GITEX Europe, the discussions focused on advancing sustainable economic growth, expanding international partnerships, and enhancing coordination to foster a dynamic, innovation-driven business ecosystem.

The meetings included discussions with H.E. Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernization of Germany; HE Gitta Connemann, State Secretary & Government Commissioner for SMEs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany:H.E. Jan Kavalec, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic; Kai Wegner, Mayor of Berlin; and Andreas Schwartz, Representative of the European Commission for Start-ups, Research and Innovation. The meetings were attended by H.E. Imran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology; H.E. Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment; and H.E. Ahmed Al Attar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Expanding cooperation with Germany

During her meeting with H.E. Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernization of Germany, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to an open, cooperative approach to advancing sustainable development, under the visionary guidance of its wise leadership. Emphasizing the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its network of strategic global partnerships, she highlighted the rapidly growing economic relations between Germany and the UAE. She noted that both nations share strong strategic ties and a common vision to deepen private sector collaboration, paving the way for mutual growth and prosperity.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei said: "We remain committed to strengthening our collaboration with the German government in advancing digital technologies that support a resilient, innovative, and knowledge-based economy. Central to this partnership is the mutual exchange of expertise, given Germany’s global leadership in digital transformation, and the development of technical infrastructure - both of which are critical enablers for SME growth.”

H.E. further highlighted the UAE’s significant progress in building an integrated digital ecosystem, driven by forward-looking national strategies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and a dynamic business environment supported by flexible regulations. She emphasized the meeting as a valuable platform to explore joint initiatives and knowledge-sharing programs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and accelerating the growth of startups and innovative ventures in both countries.

During her meeting with HE Gitta Connemann, State Secretary & Government Commissioner for SMEs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei said: "Both the UAE and Germany are home to dynamic business ecosystems, distinguished by their strengths in innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technologies. These capabilities position them as leading hubs for high-value investment in the Middle East and Europe. This strategic alignment offers an ideal platform to forge transformative partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, and foster groundbreaking projects - unlocking new and unprecedented opportunities for startups in both countries.”

Her Excellency explained that the UAE has prioritized entrepreneurship as a vital sector for economic growth and sustainability, making significant progress in creating a competitive and attractive business environment that supports startups and SMEs. She called on the German private sector to capitalize on the advantages and incentives offered by the UAE’s national economy to expand their presence in the UAE, Middle East, and Africa markets. Her Excellency also reviewed the most prominent enablers provided by the UAE's business environment, such as the ‘Riyada’ ecosystem, which offers a package of incentives and programs designed to empower entrepreneurs and enhance their contribution to sustainable economic development.

In yet another meeting, H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei and Kai Wegner, Mayor of Berlin, discussed the importance of continuously developing new and effective communication channels to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, especially in supporting startup growth and global business expansion. The two parties also explored the possibility of establishing joint programs to promote innovation and develop sustainable technological solutions, contributing to sustainable economic development and enhanced competitiveness in both countries.

Czech collaboration on innovation & tech entrepreneurship incentives

H.E.’s meeting with H.E. Jan Kavalírek, Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, focused on enhancing cooperation to support emerging economy sectors and developing programs that stimulate entrepreneurship, particularly in innovation and advanced technology. Her Excellency highlighted the Czech Republic’s pioneering experience in building innovation systems and supporting SMEs, emphasizing the UAE’s eagerness to exchange expertise and develop practical initiatives aimed at improving the business environment and fostering startup growth.

The ministers also explored opportunities for collaboration in the green economy and smart industrial transformation, as well as new avenues in artificial intelligence and technology-driven entrepreneurial activities.

Enhanced cooperation in innovation, entrepreneurship & digital economy with the European Union

During her meeting with Andreas Schwarz, representative of the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Her Excellency affirmed that the UAE continues to develop a competitive business environment capable of attracting high-quality investments and stimulating innovation. Most notably, the UAE topped the Global Entrepreneurship Index for the fourth consecutive year.

Her Excellency added: “We look forward to building strategic partnerships with the European Union to enhance investment in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, expand cooperation in scientific research, and develop policies and legislation that support the digital economy to foster the entrepreneurial environment. We are also keen to promote exchange of best practices in these fields.”

MoU between Ministry of Economy and UBQT

Her Excellency Alia Al Mazrouei witnessed the signing of an MoU between the UAE Ministry of Economy and UBQT, which took place on the sidelines of GITEX Europe. The agreement seeks to harness modern technology to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem and improve communication between entrepreneurs and investors by creating specialized digital platforms that expand professional networks both locally and globally.

Under this partnership, UBQT will create dedicated communities within its app for all Ministry of Economy initiatives. The innovative platform will also enhance real-time communication among community members during official events, bilateral meetings, and travel within the UAE and internationally, offering smart, personalized suggestions and notifications about upcoming meetings. With the Ministry of Economy organizing global events, UBQT's technology will help ensure that entrepreneurs and professionals remain directly connected.