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 their countries’ strategic collaboration during their talks. The meeting coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE, where both leaders emphasized cooperation across sectors such as the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence, viewing these areas as essential to mutual development and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reiterated their dedication to bolstering UAE-France partnership in critical fields. They reviewed advancements in joint initiatives, including projects in energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. Following the discussions, the UAE President hosted a dinner in honor of Macron, who signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the ongoing growth of UAE-France relations and wishing for further expansion of their ties.
The dialogue also encompassed regional and global issues, particularly focusing on developments in the Middle East. Both parties discussed ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of regional changes on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They stressed their shared resolve to enhance coordination efforts aimed at reinforcing security, stability, and peace in the region. Recent attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have led to decreased oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf tour emphasizes Hormuz and energy stability
As part of a Gulf tour, Macron visits the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar from October 19 to 21. An Élysée source indicated the purpose is to promote stability and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying energy sources and their transportation pathways. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed establishing an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping through the strait.
Macron is accompanied by a delegation that includes the CEOs of TotalEnergies and Engie. The trip also involves Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. Additionally, the group includes the president of Campus AI, a major technology complex near Paris funded by the UAE. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron also participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi.
Top UAE officials join discussions and banquet
The meetings and dinner were attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, along with 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 also present, along with several ministers and officials. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with an official ceremony, including an honor guard and military band.
This visit continues a series of high-level engagements 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, he became the first major Western leader to visit Syria after its civil war. Macron’s Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.