UAE and France Strengthen Strategic Partnership with AI Cooperation Agreement
Paris, February 7, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France during a high-level meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The two leaders discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including economy, investment, energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and climate action, reinforcing their shared vision for sustainable development and global prosperity.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation in Key Sectors
During their discussions, President Macron welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing his pleasure at hosting the UAE President in France. Sheikh Mohamed, in turn, extended his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the strong ties between the two nations.
The leaders explored ways to enhance cooperation in energy, advanced technology, and AI, while also reinforcing their joint commitment to climate action. The meeting also included a review of recent regional and international developments, with both sides emphasizing the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and cooperation to promote stability in the Middle East and beyond.
Highlighting the UAE-France Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership established in 2022, Sheikh Mohamed noted that both nations have worked together on key initiatives, including the launch of the UAE-France Bilateral Climate Investment Platform, which was introduced last year.
Landmark UAE-France Artificial Intelligence Framework Agreement
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the signing of the UAE-France Framework for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This agreement solidifies the two countries’ collaboration in AI development, infrastructure, and talent exchange, aiming to position both nations at the forefront of AI innovation and responsible technology deployment.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, while France was represented by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Éric Lombard.
The UAE and France will collaborate on developing a 1-gigawatt AI Campus in France, along with investments in the AI value chain, leading-edge chip development, and cloud infrastructure. The initiative also includes the establishment of Virtual Data Embassies, ensuring sovereign AI and cloud computing infrastructure in both nations.
Sheikh Mohamed and President Macron underscored their shared commitment to strategic AI partnerships, with plans to monitor and expand AI cooperation projects in the coming period.
Official State Dinner and High-Level Delegation
Following the discussions, President Macron hosted an official dinner in honor of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the accompanying UAE delegation, underscoring the importance of their bilateral relationship.
Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including:
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President
Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs
Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority
Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France
The meeting was also attended by senior French ministers and officials, further reinforcing the mutual commitment to strengthening economic, technological, and cultural ties between the two countries.
A Vision for the Future
The UAE and France continue to build on their historic ties, expanding their partnership into AI, energy, and digital transformation. The UAE-France Framework for AI Cooperation is a testament to their long-term commitment to technological advancement, sustainability, and economic diversification.
As both nations push forward with their AI-driven development agendas, their collaboration is expected to set new global standards for responsible AI deployment and innovation, ensuring a prosperous future for both economies.