The Emirates News Agency reported that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to the airport to bid him farewell upon the conclusion of the official visit. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings before Macron’s departure, reflecting the strong personal and diplomatic relations between the UAE and France. Officials from both sides were present during the farewell ceremony that marked the end of two days of engagements in Abu Dhabi.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed and Macron reviewed the strategic partnership between their countries and explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in economy, investment, energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence, according to the agency. They also addressed regional developments in the Middle East with emphasis on maritime security and efforts to maintain global energy supply stability. The leaders underscored their shared goal of promoting peace and coordination on international issues of mutual concern.
A separate WAM dispatch detailed how the French President’s trip forms part of a regional tour that began in Kuwait and will continue to Bahrain and Qatar. The itinerary focuses on reinforcing energy security and defence ties amid ongoing tensions that have affected the Strait of Hormuz, The National newspaper reported. This comes as France seeks to secure oil and diesel supplies to address domestic economic pressures.
Bilateral trade between the two nations reached 10.8 billion euros in 2025, marking a 27.7 percent growth from the prior year, data from France’s Direction générale du Trésor shows. The UAE represents France’s leading trade partner in the Gulf, absorbing more than half of French exports to the region. Such economic momentum supports the broader framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership established over five decades ago.
On October 20, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined Macron for the UAE-France Business Dialogue at Qasr Al Watan, the news agency said. The gathering included panel discussions on energy resilience and innovation, culminating in the signing of multiple agreements covering artificial intelligence, advanced technology and sustainable solutions. Three memoranda of understanding were inked with AMI Labs to boost joint research initiatives across vital fields.
The visit included an official reception at Abu Dhabi International Airport where national anthems were performed and an honour guard presented salutes, as documented by WAM. Sheikh Mohamed hosted a banquet for the French delegation, which included several ministers and senior officials. Macron expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and the progress achieved in bilateral relations during his stay.
French companies have established a substantial footprint in the UAE with approximately 700 subsidiaries providing employment to around 30,000 people, a report from the French diplomatic mission indicated. This presence spans critical industries from aerospace to renewable energy, complementing the high-level political engagements. The latest agreements are expected to further deepen these economic interconnections in emerging sectors like AI.
