ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – On October 19, in Abu Dhabi, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron to explore ways to deepen their nations’ strategic alliance. The meeting took place during Macron’s official visit to the UAE, focusing on topics such as the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence, with both parties emphasizing their shared vision for growth and prosperity.
The leaders reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to UAE-France collaboration across key sectors and reviewed advancements in joint initiatives related to energy, advanced technology, and AI. Following the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet in honor of his French guest, during which Macron signed the VIP guestbook and conveyed his pride in the steady progress of their bilateral relations, expressing hope for further expansion in the coming years.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to regional and global issues. The leaders examined recent developments in the Middle East and discussed efforts to mitigate their effects on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They reiterated their mutual resolve to enhance coordination to bolster regional stability, security, and peace. Recent attacks targeting Gulf energy facilities have restricted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, adding pressure on world energy markets.
Focus on Energy Security and Maritime Stability
Running from October 19 to 21, Macron’s Gulf tour includes stops in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source explained that the visit aims to promote stability and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while also seeking to secure and diversify energy sources and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom jointly proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard ships navigating the strait.
The delegation accompanying Macron featured senior French officials from both government and business sectors, including CEOs of energy firms TotalEnergies and Engie, as well as the head of Campus AI, a major technological complex near Paris financed by the UAE. Ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and the economy, also traveled with Macron. The Abu Dhabi itinerary included a UAE-France Business Dialogue.
Official Reception and High-Level Delegates
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony featuring an honor guard and military band, while His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attended both the meeting and banquet. He was joined by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Several ministers and officials, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, also participated.
These discussions add to a history of frequent high-level exchanges between the two leaders. Macron’s last visit to Abu Dhabi was in December 2025, when he and Sheikh Mohamed toured the Zayed National Museum. Macron also attended COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and the 2017 inauguration of Louvre Abu Dhabi. In July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since its civil war began. His Gulf tour concludes with a stop in Qatar on October 21.