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 discussed ways to expand their countries’ strategic partnership. The discussion coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE. Both leaders emphasized cooperation across sectors such as the economy, investment, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. They highlighted that these areas underpin their shared vision for development and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reiterated their dedication to strengthening UAE-France collaboration in key fields. They reviewed progress on joint initiatives, including projects in energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. Following the talks, the UAE President hosted a banquet in honor of Macron. The French President signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the ongoing growth of UAE-France relations. He also conveyed wishes for further expansion of their bilateral ties.
The discussion also encompassed regional and international issues, particularly recent developments in the Middle East. Both sides examined ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of regional changes on maritime security and global energy supplies. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing coordination to promote regional security, stability, and peace. Recent attacks on energy facilities across the Gulf have disrupted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months.
Macron’s Gulf tour emphasizes Hormuz and energy security concerns
As part of a Gulf tour, Macron is visiting the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar from October 19 to 21. The Élysée source explained that the aim of the trip is to promote stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying energy supplies and routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
Macron is accompanied by a delegation that includes the chief executives of TotalEnergies and Engie. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure are also part of the visit. Additionally, the group includes the president of Campus AI, a major tech complex under construction near Paris with UAE funding. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron also participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi.
High-level UAE officials join Macron at talks and banquet
The discussions and 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, along with several ministers and officials, participated as well. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with an official ceremony, which included an honor 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. He also addressed French troops stationed in the UAE. Macron participated in the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in 2023 and attended the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017. In July, he became the first major Western leader to visit Syria after its civil war. Macron’s Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.