Over the last 50 years, the United Arab Emirates and France have built a remarkably strong and multifaceted partnership, and we are now looking at the future.
The bilateral relationship is booming in all fields including defense, culture, education, space, artificial intelligence, energy and environment. Bilateral trade between France and the UAE reached 8.5 billion euros in 2024, marking a significant 15% increase from the previous year. This upward trajectory highlights the strengthening economic ties and the growing role of both countries in each other’s economic landscapes. The UAE stands as France’s largest partner in the Near and Middle East, accounting for 42.3% of French exports to the region. On the other hand, it is France’s second-largest supplier, representing 16% of French imports from the region. Furthermore, France remains a prime destination for Emirati investment, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reaching 2,3 billion euros in 2023. A notable testimony of this momentum is the long-standing and fruitful partnership between Mubadala and Bpifrance, the French public investment bank. This collaboration continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating joint ventures and driving cross-border investments, further deepening the ties between our two nations.
A strong French companies’ presence in the UAE
French companies have played a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s development for decades, with some partnerships dating back over 50 years. Over time, France has become a key partner in a variety of sectors. From energy major players that have helped build critical infrastructure and support the country’s sustainability goals, to their involvement in the creation of the Dubai metro and tramway, and to luxury and tourism brands that have shaped the UAE’s global image as a premier destination, France’s presence is both strategic and long-standing. Today, more than 600 French subsidiaries operate across the Emirates, employing around 30,000 people—making it the largest French business presence in the Middle East, ranging from industry giants to SMEs and startups.
Dubai: the gateway to GCC opportunities
Over the years, Dubai has solidified its status as the gateway to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) opportunities for French businesses. With nearly 80% of French companies in the UAE choosing to set up operations in the emirate, Dubai has become a central hub for French firms seeking to tap into the broader GCC market. French companies haven’t just benefited from Dubai’s rise as a strategic business and logistics hub—they have actively contributed to this transformation. Their presence is evident across key transport infrastructure, from aviation and airport development to maritime logistics at the major port of Jebel Ali. This dynamic is rooted in the strong mutual trust between French and local partners.
Moreover, Dubai serves as a global platform for regional events, hosting some of the world’s largest trade shows, conferences, and international political events such as Expo 2020 and COP28. These high-profile events have further reinforced the strength of the France-UAE relationship, providing a stage for French companies to showcase their innovative solutions and engage in multilateral discussions that align with both countries’ shared goals and aspirations.
Today, France’s presence in the UAE is prominent and well-supported by a robust network of key institutions based in Dubai. They play a central role in offering comprehensive services to support French businesses in their efforts to succeed in the local market. Business France operates from its regional headquarters in Dubai, to promote the presence of French companies across the Near and Middle East. In 2024, it supported nearly 2,000 companies – over 800 of them in the UAE – through sectorial initiatives such as French Pavillons at major trade shows and tailor-made services. Bpifrance also maintains regional offices in Dubai, where they provide essential support in the form of financial backing for landmark projects. Additionally, the CCI France-UAE, which represents the largest community of French-speaking and Francophile business professionals in the Middle East, has over 800 members. Furthermore, the French Tech UAE community plays a key role in fostering collaboration, helping to drive innovation and facilitate partnerships between French and Emirati tech companies.
A shared vision for the future: tackling tomorrow’s challenges together
As the world continues to face complex challenges, France and the UAE remain aligned on many key strategic issues, particularly in the fields of technology and sustainability. One area where both nations are making significant strides is artificial intelligence (AI). The UAE has been a pioneer in integrating AI into its forward-looking strategy, making both countries key strategic partners in this cutting-edge field. In February 2025, on the occasion of President Cheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed’s visit to France, a major AI partnership agreement was signed, with up to 50 billion euros in Franco-Emirati investments committed to developing AI technologies in France.
In addition to technological collaboration, France and the UAE are also united in their efforts to tackle climate change, one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Both countries have set ambitious goals for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and they are already working together on a range of transformative projects. These include the development of smart cities and the expansion of renewable energy sources. The collaborative efforts between France and the UAE in these areas demonstrate a mutual commitment to creating a sustainable, environmentally responsible future.
As both nations continue to work towards their shared vision, the UAE is advancing a series of high-profile and transformative projects, including the expansion of Al Maktoum Airport, the launch of a high-speed rail line, and the construction of new solar parks. With decades of experience in supporting such iconic projects, France stands ready to collaborate with UAE authorities and businesses, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
We take great pride in our strong and trusted partnership with the UAE. This friendship is reflected in the many official visits between our two governments, particularly numerous in recent years, with the latest being that of Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin, in February. These visits underscore the shared commitment to advancing a thriving, dynamic partnership with far-reaching impact.
Vision Golfe: Powering a new era of strategic partnerships between France and the GCC
Vision Golfe emerges as a flagship platform driving high-impact economic cooperation between France and the GCC countries. This annual forum convenes Gulf and French ministers, and European officials, industry leaders, and tech pioneers to forge long-term alliances across the region’s most transformative sectors. The 3rd edition, to be held on 17–18 June 2025 under the high patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, will feature a forward-thinking agenda focused on “Blueprints for 2030” and “Innovating for Sustainability”. It will serve as a cross-sectoral launchpad for innovation-led collaboration and investment.
A dynamic French community
To bring this dynamic economic relationship to life and flourish, it takes men and women. 30,000 French citizens are registered with the consulate, but in reality, there are many more! The French community is estimated at around 50,000 people across the country and today, there are three newborns and one wedding every day. It is a long-established, well-structured and organized community that demonstrates remarkable dynamism, with all the characteristics of the French expatriates: business community (representatives of large Paris stock market groups, mid-sized and small businesses, entrepreneurs) and also the world of culture, who contribute all with their energy and creativity to the development of the longstanding partnership between France and the United Arab Emirates.
To learn more about our activities, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X: @FranceEmirats (Embassy of France in UAE) @FranceDubai (General consulate of France in Dubai)
