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 enhance their nations’ strategic alliance. This meeting occurred during 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 progress and prosperity for their populations.
The two presidents reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to UAE-France collaboration in critical sectors. They also examined advancements in joint initiatives related to energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. After the discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet honoring Macron as his distinguished guest. Macron signed the VIP guestbook, expressing pride in the steady development of bilateral relations and wishing for continued growth of the partnership in the future.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to regional and international concerns. The leaders analyzed recent developments in the Middle East and efforts to mitigate their effects on maritime security and global energy markets. They highlighted their joint resolve to enhance coordination efforts aimed at reinforcing security, stability, and peace across the region. Attacks targeting Gulf energy facilities have disrupted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, exerting additional pressure on world energy markets.
Energy security and maritime stability on top of the agenda
From October 19 to 21, Macron’s Gulf tour includes visits to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source stated that the purpose of the trip is to foster stability and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. France also aims to secure and diversify energy sources and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom jointly proposed an international maritime coalition to safeguard ships in the strait.
The delegation accompanying Macron comprised prominent French business and government figures. Included were CEOs of energy firms TotalEnergies and Engie, as well as the head of Campus AI, a major technological complex under construction near Paris with funding from the UAE. Ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and the economy, also traveled with the president. The Abu Dhabi visit featured a UAE-France Business Dialogue as part of the program.
Official reception involving Abu Dhabi leadership
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony that included an honour guard and military band. Attending the event were His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and other senior officials. Sheikh Khaled participated in the meeting and banquet, alongside 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, were also present.
These discussions continue a tradition of high-level exchanges between the two leaders. Macron’s previous visit to Sheikh Mohamed took place in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, when they toured the Zayed National Museum. Macron also attended COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and the 2017 inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In July, he became the first major Western leader to visit Syria following its civil war. Macron’s Gulf tour will end in Qatar on October 21.