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 reinforce the strategic alliance between their nations. The meeting coincided with Macron’s official visit to the UAE, where the focus was on topics such as the economy, investment opportunities, energy security, cutting-edge technology, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders emphasized that their collaboration was driven by a shared vision of progress and prosperity for their citizens.
During the summit, the two heads of state reiterated their ongoing commitment to bilateral cooperation in crucial sectors, reviewing advancements on joint initiatives involving energy, innovative technology, and artificial intelligence. Following their discussions, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet in honor of Macron, who also signed the VIP guestbook and expressed pride in the steady growth of relations between the two nations. Macron conveyed his hope for further expansion of this partnership in the coming years.
A significant part of the conversation centered around regional and global issues, with leaders analyzing recent developments in the Middle East and their efforts to minimize regional impacts on maritime security and worldwide energy supplies. They underscored their joint resolve to enhance coordination to promote regional stability, security, and peace. Attacks on Gulf energy facilities have hindered oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby increasing pressure on world energy markets.
Energy corridors and maritime safety are key priorities
French President Macron’s Gulf tour, scheduled from October 19 to 21, encompasses visits to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. An Élysée source explained that the purpose of this trip is to foster a return to stability and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while also aiming to diversify and guarantee energy supplies and transportation routes. In April, France and the United Kingdom jointly proposed an international maritime coalition designed to safeguard ships passing through the strait.
Macron’s delegation included prominent figures from the French business and government sectors, such as CEOs of energy giants TotalEnergies and Engie, as well as the head of Campus AI, a large technological complex under construction near Paris with funding from the UAE. The delegation also featured ministers Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, and Roland Lescure, responsible for defence, foreign affairs, and the economy, respectively. The Abu Dhabi program incorporated a UAE-France Business Dialogue as part of the visit.
Official reception highlights Abu Dhabi’s diplomatic hospitality
Sheikh Mohamed greeted Macron with a formal ceremony that included an honor guard and a military band, emphasizing the importance of the visit. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, participated in both the meeting and banquet, joined by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Several other officials, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, along with ministers, also attended the events.
These discussions continue a series of high-level interactions between the two leaders, with Macron last meeting Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi in December 2025 during a visit to the Zayed National Museum. Macron also participated in COP28 held in Dubai in 2023 and was present at the 2017 opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Notably, in July, Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria after its civil war. His Gulf tour will conclude in Qatar on October 21.