UAE’s Sheikh Mohamed, French President discuss AI and economic ties in Paris

UAE and France Strengthen AI and Economic Partnership with Strategic Agreements

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation in AI, Economy, and Sustainability

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on his working visit to France to talk about the two countries’ long-standing and strategic partnership. Expanding collaboration in important areas, such as the economy, investment, culture, energy, climate action, sophisticated technology, and artificial intelligence, was the main topic of discussion.

Both presidents emphasised the need of fortifying bilateral ties while restating their common vision for prosperity and sustainable development. They demonstrated their dedication to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond by exchanging opinions on regional and international concerns.

Commitment to Energy, AI, and Heritage Protection

President Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the deep-rooted collaboration between the UAE and France in energy and climate action, particularly through their Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership, established in 2022.

The UAE-France Bilateral Climate Investment Platform was successfully launched last year, he added, further solidifying collaboration in environmental sustainability.

The leaders also acknowledged the role artificial intelligence will have in influencing the future. In addition to encouraging collaboration in the preservation of cultural heritage and other areas of shared interest, they underlined their shared commitment to guaranteeing the proper application of AI for global growth.

AI Collaboration and Major Investments

The signing of the UAE-France Framework for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, which intends to improve AI development and technology interchange between the two nations, was a major highlight of the visit. Alongside French Ministers Jean-Noël Barrot and Éric Lombard, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak signed the deal on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

The creation of a 1-gigawatt AI Campus in France is one of the significant AI initiatives that the UAE and France will work together on under this framework. With investments in AI infrastructure, state-of-the-art chip production, data centres, and talent development, both executives underlined the significance of creating a strong AI value chain. In order to provide both countries with independent cloud and AI infrastructure, the proposal will also involve the creation of Virtual Data Embassies.

Future Monitoring of AI Projects and Strengthening Partnerships

The presidents of the United Arab Emirates and France decided to keep a careful eye on the developments of AI cooperation projects and make sure their strategic AI collaboration was carried out successfully. Their conversations emphasised the two nations’ dynamic and changing relationship, which reflects a dedication to economic growth, sustainability, and innovation.

High-Level Delegation and Official Engagements

President Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by a high-ranking UAE delegation, including senior government officials and advisors specializing in strategic research, national security, industry, and advanced technology.

The meeting was also attended by several French ministers and senior officials, demonstrating the importance of expanding UAE-France cooperation.

The visit is another significant milestone in the close relationship between the two countries, opening the door to future collaboration in AI, economic development and sustainable projects.