ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – During discussions in Abu Dhabi on October 19, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron examined potential avenues to expand their nations’ strategic relationship. The meeting coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE. Emphasizing collaboration in the fields of economy, investment, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence, they highlighted how these sectors align with their shared vision for development and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reiterated their dedication to strengthening UAE-France cooperation across key industries. They reviewed the progress of joint initiatives, including projects in energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Following the talks, the UAE President hosted a banquet in honor of Macron. The French leader signed the VIP guestbook, expressing his pride in the ongoing development of bilateral relations and his desire for further growth of the partnership.
The discussions also touched on regional and international issues, especially recent developments in the Middle East. Both leaders discussed ongoing efforts to manage the impact of these events on maritime security and global energy supplies. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhancing coordination to promote regional security, stability, and peace. Recent attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf have restricted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months.
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 that the purpose of this trip is to foster stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The agenda also includes discussions on securing and diversifying energy supplies and their transit routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed establishing an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
Macron is accompanied by a delegation that features 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 delegation. Additionally, the group includes the head of Campus AI, a major tech complex under construction near Paris with funding from the UAE. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron also participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.
High-ranking UAE officials join discussions and banquet
The meeting and subsequent banquet saw the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Also attending 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, participated alongside several ministers and officials. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with an official ceremony, which included an honor guard and a 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 summit 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 after its civil war. The Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.