UAE-France Business Dialogue: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Macron attend as firms sign AI, energy deals

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and French President Emmanuel Macron attended the UAE-France Business Dialogue at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, WAM reported. The event aims to strengthen economic and investment ties.

What is the UAE-France Business Dialogue?

The UAE-France Business Dialogue is a high-level platform for Emirati and French officials and companies. It reviews joint projects, exchanges views on vital sectors and explores new cooperation. Priority areas include energy, artificial intelligence and advanced technology, with a focus on turning shared priorities into investments.

What did the Crown Prince say about UAE-France ties?

Sheikh Khaled welcomed Macron and the accompanying delegation. He said the friendship between the UAE and France spans more than five decades. It is built on trust, mutual respect and a shared vision of progress and prosperity.

He said the strategic partnership has evolved to keep pace with global developments. Changes in the global economy underscore the importance of secure, reliable and sustainable energy supplies, as well as resilient supply chains.

He added that the two countries are deepening cooperation in AI and advanced technology. This builds on the Campus AI initiative they are developing in France.

Which topics did the panel discussions cover?

The two leaders attended two panel discussions that brought together ministers and business leaders from both countries.

The first, titled “The Power of Resilience: Shaping the Future of Energy and Beyond,” examined key changes in the energy sector. It focused on resilience, innovation and sustainable solutions to ensure secure supplies.

The second, titled “Beyond Compute: AI Shaping the Future,” looked at AI’s growing role in reshaping economic and industrial sectors. It also covered new models for growth and ways to strengthen cooperation between Emirati and French institutions and companies.

Which energy and AI partnerships were highlighted?

The dialogue highlighted partnerships in conventional and advanced energy, clean energy and AI. ADNOC, Masdar, MGX and G42 play a central role. Energy cooperation covers liquefied natural gas, energy infrastructure, low-emission solutions and renewable energy projects.

On AI, the dialogue pointed to the Campus AI initiative. It brings together MGX with French and international partners to develop advanced computing and AI infrastructure in France. G42 is also investing in advanced computing infrastructure.

What agreements were signed at the UAE-France Business Dialogue?

Sheikh Khaled and Macron witnessed the signing of MoUs and contracts between Emirati and French institutions and companies. They cover energy, AI and advanced technology.

Three MoUs were signed with AMI Labs in AI and advanced technology:

• Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) will cooperate with AMI Labs on AI research and development. The deal also covers the exchange of scientific and technological expertise.
• G42 and AMI Labs set up a framework for strategic cooperation in cloud computing infrastructure and AI models. They will also explore advanced technological solutions for practical use.
• Analog and AMI Labs will explore integrating AI models into robotics and physical AI applications.

In energy, ADNOC Gas and Schneider Electric signed an MoU to assess advanced technologies and operational improvements. The aim is to boost efficiency and deploy digital solutions.

ADNOC Refining and Technip Energies signed two contracts. They relate to a refining capacity enhancement project and a sustainable aviation fuel project.

The agreements reflect both countries’ commitment to broader economic and investment cooperation. They also open new avenues for public-private partnerships in shared priority sectors.