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 ways to expand their countries’ strategic cooperation. The discussion occurred amid Macron’s official visit to the UAE. Their focus was on collaboration in sectors like the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. They emphasized that these areas align with their shared vision for growth and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening UAE-France partnerships in key sectors. They reviewed progress on joint initiatives, including projects 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.
Regional and international issues also featured in the discussions, particularly developments in the Middle East. Both leaders addressed efforts to mitigate the effects of regional changes on maritime security and global energy supplies. They underscored their mutual commitment to enhance coordination to promote security, stability, and peace in the region. Recently, attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have reduced oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf Tour Focuses on Hormuz and Energy Security
As part of a Gulf tour, Macron is visiting the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar from October 19 to 21. An Élysée source said the trip aims to restore stability and navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying energy supplies and their transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
Macron is leading a delegation that includes the CEOs 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. The group includes the president of Campus AI, a major tech complex near Paris funded by the UAE. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron attended the UAE-France Business Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.
Senior UAE Officials Participate in Discussions and Dinner
The meeting and banquet were attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, was also present. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, joined several ministers and officials. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with an official ceremony, including an honour 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. He also addressed French troops stationed in the UAE. Macron participated in the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in 2023 and opened the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017. In July, he became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since its civil war. His Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.