ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – During discussions in Abu Dhabi on October 19, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron explored avenues to expand strategic collaboration between their nations. These talks coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE, with the leaders emphasizing cooperation across sectors including the economy, investment, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. They highlighted that these areas are vital to both countries’ shared ambitions for development and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reiterated their dedication to bolstering UAE-France relations in key sectors. They reviewed progress on joint initiatives, notably in energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. Following the discussions, the UAE President hosted a banquet in honor of Macron. The French leader signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the ongoing growth of UAE-France ties and wishing for further strengthening of their relationship.
Regional and global issues also featured prominently in the dialogue, particularly developments in the Middle East. Both leaders discussed efforts to mitigate the impact of regional changes on maritime security and worldwide energy markets. They reaffirmed their joint resolve to enhance coordination, aiming to bolster security, stability, and peace in the region. Recent attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have restricted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron’s Gulf tour emphasizes Hormuz and energy stability
From October 19 to 21, Macron is on a Gulf tour that includes stops in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source indicated that the visit aims to foster renewed stability and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying energy supplies and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed creating an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
Macron’s delegation features top executives from TotalEnergies and Engie, alongside Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. Additionally, the group includes the president of Campus AI, a major technology complex near Paris financed by the UAE. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron also participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.
High-ranking UAE officials join discussions and banquet
The official meeting and subsequent banquet were attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Also present was 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, was among the officials and ministers participating. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with a formal ceremony, which included an honour guard and military band.
This visit continues a pattern of high-level engagement between the two leaders. Macron previously met Sheikh Mohamed at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, addressed French troops stationed in the UAE, and participated in the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in 2023. He also attended the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017. In July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria following its civil war. His Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.