ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – The UAE government announced that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Abu Dhabi on October 19 to examine ways to strengthen their nations’ strategic collaboration. The discussions coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE, where the leaders emphasized cooperation across sectors such as the economy, investment, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. They highlighted these areas as vital to their shared vision for growth and prosperity.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reaffirmed their dedication to advancing UAE-France partnership in key industries. They also reviewed progress on joint initiatives, including projects related to energy, innovative technology, and artificial intelligence. Following the discussions, the UAE President hosted a banquet in honour of Macron. The French leader signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the ongoing development of bilateral relations and wishing for further growth of their ties.
Regional and global issues were also on the agenda, with a focus on developments in the Middle East. Both nations discussed ongoing efforts to manage the regional impact of these events on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They reiterated their mutual commitment to enhancing coordination to promote regional security, stability, and peace. Recent attacks on energy facilities across the Gulf have impacted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months.
Gulf Tour Prioritizes Hormuz and Energy Security
As part of a Gulf tour, Macron is visiting the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar from October 19 to 21. An Élysée source indicated that the goal of this trip is to foster stability and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions will also address securing and diversifying energy supplies and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom proposed establishing an international maritime coalition aimed at protecting shipping in the strait.
Macron is accompanied by a delegation that includes top executives from TotalEnergies and Engie. The trip also features Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure. Additionally, the president of Campus AI, a major tech complex near Paris funded by the UAE, is part of the delegation. 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 Dinner
The official meeting and banquet were attended by 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, along with several ministers and officials, took part in the events. Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed received Macron with an official ceremony, including an honour guard and a military band.
This visit continues a pattern of high-level exchanges between the two leaders. Macron previously met Sheikh Mohamed at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi in December 2025 and addressed French troops stationed in the UAE. He also participated in the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in 2023 and helped inaugurate the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017. Notably, in July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since its civil war. Macron’s Gulf tour concludes in Qatar on October 21.