UAE and France Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Key Sectors
··2 min read
French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and investment during Macron's official visit to the UAE on Monday. The leaders also discussed regional security and the protection of global energy supplies.
During their meeting, the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral ties and explored avenues to expand economic and investment cooperation. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including commercial investment and emerging technologies, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the UAE-France partnership.
The leaders reviewed regional and international developments, with a focus on the Middle East and the impact on maritime security and global energy supplies. They expressed a shared commitment to strengthening coordination to support security, stability, and peace across the region.
The meeting highlighted the connection between security and the reliable movement of energy supplies through critical maritime routes.
In June 2026, the UAE and France announced plans to expand their AI partnership through Campus AI, a joint venture involving Abu Dhabi-based MGX, French public investment bank Bpifrance, French AI company Mistral, and US chipmaker Nvidia. The project aims to target up to 3 gigawatts of computing capacity to support AI development, research, and French technology companies.
Additionally, the two countries are collaborating in defense manufacturing. In June 2026, UAE defense group EDGE and France’s Safran signed a joint venture term sheet outlining plans for projects in both countries, including the co-development of an extended-range precision-guided weapon based on Safran’s Hammer family. The proposed ventures aim to develop and produce defense systems for domestic and international customers.
**Context:** The deepening of ties between the UAE and France in areas such as AI, energy, and defense underscores the strategic importance of their partnership. This cooperation not only strengthens bilateral relations but also has broader implications for regional security and global energy markets, highlighting the interconnected nature of economic and security interests in the 21st century.
