ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – During a meeting in Abu Dhabi on October 19, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron explored ways to expand their countries’ strategic partnership. The discussions occurred amid Macron’s official visit to the UAE, with a focus on collaboration in the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders emphasized that these sectors align with their shared vision for growth and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening UAE-France cooperation in key areas. They reviewed progress on joint initiatives, including projects in energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. Following the talks, the UAE President hosted a banquet honoring Macron. The French leader signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the ongoing development of bilateral relations and wishing for further growth of their partnership.
Regional and international issues, especially developments in the Middle East, also featured in the discussions. Both sides examined efforts to mitigate the impact of regional changes on maritime security and global energy supplies. They reaffirmed their mutual goal to enhance coordination to bolster regional stability, security, and peace. Recent attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have disrupted oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf Tour Highlights Hormuz and Energy Security Challenges
Part of Macron’s Gulf itinerary, which runs from October 19 to 21, includes stops in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source said the visit aims to promote stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying energy supplies and routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
Macron travels with a delegation comprising the CEOs of TotalEnergies and Engie, along with Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. The group also includes the head of Campus AI, a major technology complex near Paris funded by the UAE. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron attended the UAE-France Business Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.
High-Level UAE Officials Participate in Key Events
The official gathering and banquet saw the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, joined several ministers and officials. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with a formal ceremony, complete with an honour guard and military band.
This visit continues a pattern of high-level exchanges between the two leaders. Macron previously met Sheikh Mohamed at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, addressed French troops in the UAE, attended COP28 in Dubai in 2023, and participated in the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017. Notably, in July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria after its civil war. The Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.