UAE, French presidents discuss energy and AI cooperation in Abu Dhabi
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and France's Emmanuel Macron met in Abu Dhabi to discuss economic, energy and AI cooperation and Middle East security.
The story in focus
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Abu Dhabi on 19 October 2026 during Macron's official UAE visit, discussing economic, investment, energy, advanced technology and AI cooperation, plus Middle East developments and their impact on maritime security and global energy supplies.
- The leaders met in Abu Dhabi on 19 October 2026 during Macron's official visit to the UAE.
- Talks covered economy, investment, energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence, and joint projects in those sectors.
- Both sides reviewed Middle East developments and efforts addressing effects on maritime security and global energy supplies.
Cooperation agenda
The two presidents discussed ways to broaden strategic ties between the UAE and France, with the economy, investment, energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence among the areas named by the state news agency WAM.
Both leaders restated their commitment to supporting cooperation in vital sectors and to advancing joint projects, including in energy, advanced technology and AI. WAM did not announce new agreements or figures from the meeting.
The UAE president hosted a banquet for Macron, who also signed the VIP guestbook. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other Emirati officials attended.
Regional and energy concerns
The leaders reviewed regional and international issues, with Middle East developments foremost, according to WAM. They discussed ongoing efforts to address the impact on maritime security and global energy supplies.
Both sides stressed their shared determination to strengthen coordination to reinforce security, stability and peace in the region. The report gave no further detail on specific measures or timelines.
The meeting is the latest in a series of UAE-France presidential contacts, following talks at the G7 summit in June 2026 and a working visit in December 2025.
What sectors did the UAE and French presidents focus on during their October 2026 meeting?
They discussed the economy, investment, energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence, along with joint projects in energy and technology. They also reviewed Middle East developments and effects on maritime security and global energy supplies.
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