ABU DHABI, UAE / AsiaWire.IO / – On October 19, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Abu Dhabi, focusing on deepening the strategic alliance between their nations. This meeting coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE, during which topics such as the economy, investments, energy, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence were explored. Both parties emphasized that their efforts are driven by a shared vision of development and prosperity for their populations.
The two leaders reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to bilateral cooperation across key sectors. They also examined the progress of joint initiatives in energy, advanced 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 growth of their bilateral relations, expressing hopes for further expansion of the partnership in the coming years.
A significant part of the dialogue involved regional and global issues. The leaders reviewed recent developments in the Middle East and discussed efforts to mitigate their effects on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They highlighted their mutual resolve to enhance coordination in order to promote regional stability, security, and peace. Attacks on Gulf energy facilities have limited oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, exerting additional pressure on world energy markets.
Focus on Energy Security and Maritime Stability
From October 19 to 21, Macron’s Gulf tour includes visits to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source indicated that the trip aims to foster stability and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The French government also seeks to secure and diversify energy sources and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom jointly proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping in the strait.
The delegation accompanying Macron featured senior figures from both the French government and business sector. This included leaders of energy giants TotalEnergies and Engie, as well as the head of Campus AI, a major technology complex under construction near Paris with funding from the UAE. Ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and the economy respectively, also traveled with the president. The Abu Dhabi program incorporated a UAE-France Business Dialogue to enhance economic ties.
Official Reception Highlights UAE’s Leadership
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony featuring an honor guard and a 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 various ministers and officials.
This visit adds to a history 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 opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Notably, in July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria following its civil war. Macron’s Gulf tour concludes with a stop in Qatar on October 21.