German Ministry Buys Prayer Rugs for UAE Delegation Visit

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has purchased 20 Muslim prayer rugs in connection with an official state visit by the President of the United Arab Emirates to Berlin. The total cost of the acquisition came to 294.41 euros gross, financed through public tax funds. The ministry confirmed the details of the procurement following an inquiry by the news outlet NIUS.

The items were obtained to accommodate the delegation of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his diplomatic meetings in the German capital. During the official visit, the Emirati head of state met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche. According to figures provided by the ministry, each individual rug carried a net unit price of 12.57 euros.

Explaining the rationale behind the expenditure, a spokesperson for the ministry stated that providing prayer facilities forms part of customary protocol when receiving high-ranking foreign dignitaries. The spokesperson added that respecting the cultural and religious expectations of foreign guests is standard procedure during international state visits.

The ministry confirmed that the prayer rugs will not be treated as single-use items but will remain in the institution's official inventory. Officials explained that the rugs are designated for future use during upcoming visits by international diplomatic delegations requiring similar accommodations.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com