ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – On October 19, during Macron’s official visit to the UAE, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron explored avenues to expand their countries’ strategic alliance. Their talks in Abu Dhabi centered on collaboration across sectors such as the economy, investment, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing their roles in fostering mutual development and prosperity.
Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening UAE-France cooperation in key fields. They reviewed ongoing progress on joint initiatives, including projects in energy, advanced technology, and AI. Following the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet honoring Macron, who signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the evolving UAE-France relations. Macron also conveyed wishes for further growth in bilateral ties.
Regional and international issues, particularly developments in the Middle East, were also addressed during the discussions. The leaders examined efforts to mitigate the impact of regional changes on maritime security and global energy supplies. They highlighted their shared resolve to enhance coordination to promote regional security, stability, and peace. Recently, attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have restricted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf trip emphasizes Hormuz and energy safety
As part of a Gulf tour, Macron visits the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar from October 19 to 21. An Élysée source explained that the purpose of the visit is to encourage stability and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying energy supplies and their transport routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed establishing an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping within the strait.
Macron is accompanied by a delegation that includes the CEOs of TotalEnergies and Engie. The group also features Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. Additionally, the president of Campus AI, a major technology complex near Paris funded by the UAE, is part of the entourage. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron also participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.
Senior UAE officials participate in 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 present. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony, including an honor guard and military band.
This visit continues a series of high-level interactions 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, attended the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in 2023, and participated in the inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017. Notably, in July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since its civil war began. His Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.