Senior executives from major German industrial groups are set to join Economy Minister Katherina Reiche on an upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, underlining Berlin’s push to strengthen energy and economic ties with the Gulf region. The delegation is expected to include the chief executives of Siemens Energy and Thyssenkrupp, alongside leaders from other major utilities and energy firms. The trip, scheduled for early February, comes as Germany continues to recalibrate its energy strategy following the loss of access to low cost Russian gas and rising geopolitical uncertainty. Officials have emphasized the importance of building new alliances to secure reliable energy supplies while supporting industrial competitiveness, as Europe’s largest economy adapts to higher costs and shifting global trade patterns.
Energy is expected to be the central focus of the visit, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s role as Germany’s most important economic partner in the European Union region. The German economy has faced sustained pressure from elevated energy prices since the disruption of traditional supply routes, prompting policymakers to look beyond Europe for long term solutions. Executives from Uniper, EnBW, and SEFE Group are also expected to take part, according to sources familiar with the plans. Their participation signals strong corporate backing for government efforts to deepen cooperation with energy producing nations capable of supporting Germany’s transition and security goals.
The delegation is expected to explore opportunities across a range of sectors beyond traditional hydrocarbons. German officials said several memorandums of understanding are likely to be signed during the visit, with a focus on energy projects, innovation, deep technology, artificial intelligence, and start up development. These areas align with Saudi Arabia’s own economic diversification agenda and Germany’s interest in exporting industrial expertise and advanced technology. For German companies, the talks offer a platform to position themselves in large scale infrastructure and transformation projects, while for policymakers the trip provides an opportunity to reinforce diplomatic and commercial ties amid a more fragmented global economy.
The visit highlights a broader shift in Germany’s external economic strategy as it seeks to reduce vulnerability to supply shocks and strengthen links with non European partners. Analysts note that closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia could help stabilize energy access while opening new investment channels for German firms facing slower growth at home. The outcome of the trip will be closely watched by markets, particularly as energy security remains a key driver of industrial performance and inflation dynamics across Europe. As Germany balances climate objectives with economic realities, partnerships formed during this mission could shape its energy and trade outlook in the years ahead.
