France and the UAE Deepen Strategic Economic Partnership Ahead of Vision Golfe 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates,  May 2026 – France and the United Arab Emirates are further strengthening a long-standing strategic partnership built on trust, investment, innovation and a shared ambition for long-term transformation and sustainable growth.

This momentum is being reinforced through the high-level visit of Louis Margueritte, CEO of Business France, to the UAE, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation, accelerating investment flows and reinforcing strategic partnerships across key sectors shaping the future global economy.

During his visit, Louis Margueritte met with leading institutional and economic stakeholders including Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), MGX, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Kerzner International, as well as Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Discussions focused on strategic investment opportunities, artificial intelligence, advanced industries, tourism, infrastructure and long-term economic cooperation between France and the UAE.

Speaking during a media briefing hosted at the Dubai Press Club, Louis Margueritte stated:

“The UAE is no longer only a strategic market for France. It is increasingly a strategic co-builder of future industries. In times of profound global transformation, trusted partnerships matter more than ever.”

France and the UAE continue to demonstrate strong economic momentum. Bilateral trade reached €10.8 billion in 2025, representing a 27% increase year-on-year, while total trade between France and the GCC reached €24.9 billion, confirming the growing depth and diversification of economic ties across the region.

Today, more than 600 French companies operate in the UAE, making it the largest French business presence in the Middle East. Active across sectors such as energy, healthcare, infrastructure, luxury, technology and services, these companies contribute directly to the UAE’s economic diversification and long-term transformation ambitions.

Business France currently supports nearly 2,000 French companies across the Gulf region, including more than 800 in the UAE, through market intelligence, strategic advisory, business matchmaking and investment facilitation initiatives.

Each year, Business France also organizes around 60 sector-focused initiatives across the region, including major French pavilions at leading UAE trade fairs such as Gulfood, WHX, Beautyworld Middle East, Wetex and The Big 5.

The visit also comes ahead of Vision Golfe 2026, the flagship economic forum organized by Business France to deepen strategic and investment ties between France and the Gulf region.

Taking place on 18–19 June 2026 at the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty in Paris under the High Patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, the forum has become a key platform for accelerating investment, strategic dialogue and concrete business partnerships between France and the GCC.

The previous edition gathered more than 1,250 participants and generated over 2,000 high-level business meetings. The 2026 edition will focus on AI, energy transition, industrial partnerships, logistics, water security, human capital and future industries.

As France and the Gulf enter a new phase of economic cooperation increasingly centered on execution, innovation and long-term value creation, Vision Golfe aims to further accelerate strategic partnerships capable of addressing the major transformations reshaping the global economy.