ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – During talks in Abu Dhabi on October 19, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron explored avenues to expand their countries’ strategic collaboration. The discussions occurred amid Macron’s official visit to the UAE. Focus was placed on cooperation across sectors such as the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence, with both leaders emphasizing that these areas align with their shared vision for growth and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reiterated their dedication to fostering UAE-France cooperation in key industries. They also reviewed advances in joint initiatives, particularly 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 expansion of their partnership.
The discussions also touched on regional and global matters, especially recent developments in the Middle East. Both parties examined ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of regional changes on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They highlighted their mutual resolve to enhance coordination to promote stability, security, and peace in the region. Recently, attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have disrupted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron’s Gulf visit emphasizes Hormuz and energy stability
From October 19 to 21, Macron’s Gulf tour includes stops in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source explained the purpose of the visit is to promote stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The agenda also involves discussions on securing and diversifying energy supplies and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed establishing an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping within the strait.
Macron travels accompanied by a delegation, which features the chief executives of TotalEnergies and Engie. Also present are Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. The group includes the president of Campus AI, a major technological complex near Paris with UAE funding. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron also participated in the UAE-France Business Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.
High-level UAE officials join the discussions and banquet
The meeting and subsequent banquet saw the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Also present 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, was among the officials and ministers present. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Macron with an official ceremony, which included 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, 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, Macron became the first prominent Western leader to visit Syria since its civil war. Macron’s Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.