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 to deepen their countries’ strategic alliance. The meeting took place amid Macron’s official visit to the UAE, focusing on topics such as the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders emphasized their shared vision of fostering growth and prosperity for their nations.
The presidents reiterated their commitment to UAE-France collaboration in key sectors and assessed progress on joint initiatives in energy, advanced technology, and AI. After the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet honoring Macron, who also signed the VIP guestbook and expressed pride in the steady progress of bilateral relations. He conveyed his hopes for continued partnership expansion in the coming years.
Regional and global issues played a significant role in their talks. The leaders examined recent developments in the Middle East and discussed efforts to mitigate their effects on maritime security and worldwide energy markets. They underscored their joint resolve to enhance coordination in strengthening regional stability, security, and peace. Recent attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have reduced oil exports via the Strait of Hormuz, exerting additional pressure on world energy markets.
Energy routes and maritime security dominate discussions
Macron’s Gulf visit spans October 19 to 21, covering the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source indicated the trip aims to promote stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. France also seeks to diversify and secure energy supplies and transportation pathways. In April, France and the UK jointly proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard vessels in the strait.
The delegation, including top officials from French energy firms TotalEnergies and Engie, and the head of Campus AI—an extensive tech complex near Paris financed by the UAE—accompanied Macron. Ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and the economy, also traveled with him. The Abu Dhabi program featured a UAE-France Business Dialogue.
Official receptions highlight Abu Dhabi’s hospitality
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony, including an honor guard and military band. Attending the meeting and banquet were His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, alongside His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Several ministers and officials, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, also participated.
These discussions continue a pattern of high-level exchanges between the two leaders. Macron’s previous visit to Abu Dhabi was in December 2025, when he and Sheikh Mohamed toured the Zayed National Museum. Macron also attended COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and the 2017 opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi. Recently, in July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria post-civil war. His Gulf tour wraps up in Qatar on October 21.