ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – The UAE government announced that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Abu Dhabi on October 19 to enhance their nations’ strategic alliance. This dialogue coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE. The conversations focused on topics including the economy, investment opportunities, energy cooperation, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders emphasized that these efforts are aligned with a shared vision of growth and prosperity for their populations.
During the meeting, the two presidents reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to UAE-France collaboration across key sectors. They also examined the progress of joint initiatives in energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. After the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet honoring his French guest. Macron signed the VIP guestbook and conveyed his pride in the steady development of relations between the two nations. He expressed hope for further expansion of the partnership in the coming years.
Regional and global issues took a significant place in the agenda. The leaders analyzed recent developments in the Middle East and discussed efforts to mitigate their impact on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They reiterated their mutual resolve to increase coordination efforts to bolster regional security, stability, and peace. Recent attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have restricted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, putting additional strain on world energy markets.
Focus on Energy Security and Maritime Safety During Macron’s Gulf Visit
Macron’s visit to the Gulf region spans from October 19 to 21, covering the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source highlighted that the primary goal of this trip is to promote stability and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. France also seeks to secure and diversify energy sources and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom jointly proposed establishing an international maritime coalition aimed at protecting ships in the strait.
The delegation accompanying Macron includes senior French officials and industry leaders. Notable attendees include the CEOs of energy giants TotalEnergies and Engie, as well as the head of Campus AI, a large technology complex being developed near Paris with funding from the UAE. Ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and the economy respectively, also traveled with Macron. The Abu Dhabi schedule featured a UAE-France Business Dialogue to foster economic cooperation.
Official Welcome and High-Level Attendance in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony, which included an honor guard and a military band. The meeting and banquet were also attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, along with other senior officials such as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Several ministers and officials from the UAE government were present as well.
These exchanges build upon a longstanding history of high-level meetings between the two leaders. Macron’s last visit to Sheikh Mohamed took place in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, during which they toured the Zayed National Museum. Macron has also participated in COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and attended the 2017 opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria after its civil war. His Gulf tour concludes with a visit to Qatar on October 21.