ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – On October 19, in Abu Dhabi, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron explored avenues to expand strategic cooperation between their nations. The discussions coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE. Both leaders emphasized strengthening partnerships in sectors including the economy, investment, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence, highlighting their shared vision for growth and prosperity.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reaffirmed their dedication to bolstering UAE-France collaboration across key industries. They also reviewed progress on joint initiatives, particularly 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 ties.
The discussions extended to regional and global issues, especially regarding developments in the Middle East. Both parties examined ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of regional changes on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They stressed their mutual resolve to enhance coordination, aiming to promote regional stability, security, and peace. In recent months, attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf have restricted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron’s Gulf visit centers on Hormuz and energy security concerns
From October 19 to 21, Macron is undertaking a Gulf tour that includes stops in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source indicated that the purpose of the visit is to promote stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The agenda also encompasses securing and diversifying energy supplies and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom jointly proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
Macron is accompanied by a delegation comprising senior executives from TotalEnergies and Engie. Also present are Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. Additionally, the group includes the head of Campus AI, a major technology complex under development near Paris with funding from the UAE. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi.
High-ranking UAE officials join discussions and formal dinner
The 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 several ministers and officials participating. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed received Macron with a formal ceremony that included an honour guard and military band.
This visit continues a series 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 stationed in the UAE, attended the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in 2023, and participated in 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.