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 focused on broadening their countries’ strategic alliance. The talks coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE, emphasizing topics such as the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders linked their efforts to a mutual vision of development and prosperity for their populations.
The two heads of state reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to UAE-France collaboration across key sectors. They also examined advancements in joint initiatives related to energy, innovative technology, and artificial intelligence. After the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet in honor of his French guest. Macron signed the VIP guestbook and conveyed his pride in the steady progress of their bilateral relations. He expressed hopes for continued growth of the partnership in the coming years.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to regional and global issues. The leaders assessed recent developments in the Middle East and discussed efforts to mitigate their impact on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They highlighted their shared resolve to enhance coordination, aiming to bolster security, stability, and peace throughout the region. Recent attacks on Gulf energy facilities have reduced oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz, adding additional strain on world energy markets.
Focus on Energy Transit and Maritime Safety
Macron’s Gulf itinerary extends from October 19 to 21, covering the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source indicated that the visit aims to promote stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, France seeks to ensure energy supply security and diversify transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard ships passing through the strait.
The delegation accompanying Macron included prominent French business and government representatives. Among them were CEOs of energy companies TotalEnergies and Engie, as well as the head of Campus AI, a major tech complex near Paris financed by the UAE. Ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and economy respectively, also traveled with the president. The Abu Dhabi visit featured a UAE-France Business Dialogue.
Official Welcome and High-Level Attendance
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony, which included an honor guard and military band. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, participated in the meeting and banquet. Also present were His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, alongside Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, as well as several ministers and officials.
These discussions continue a tradition of high-level exchanges between the two leaders. Macron’s last visit to Sheikh Mohamed was in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, when they toured the Zayed National Museum. He also attended COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and the 2017 inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In July, Macron became the first prominent Western leader to visit Syria following its civil war. The Gulf tour will conclude in Qatar on October 21.