France and the UAE are entering a new chapter in their long-standing bilateral relationship, with artificial intelligence, advanced technology and industrial partnerships identified as the primary drivers of future growth between the two nations.
Louis Margueritte, Chief Executive Officer of Business France — France’s national agency for international business development — reaffirmed this trajectory during a dialogue session at the Dubai Press Club this week, highlighting that the two countries share strong foundations for economic complementarity.
Bilateral Trade Surges 27% to €10.8 Billion
The numbers tell a compelling story. France-UAE bilateral trade reached €10.8 billion in 2025, representing a 27 percent year-on-year increase. Total trade between France and the wider Gulf region stood at €24.9 billion, underscoring the bloc’s growing importance to French economic strategy.
Margueritte, appointed to his role by the French President just over two months ago, used his UAE visit to meet senior institutional and economic officials. Discussions spanned strategic investment opportunities, AI, advanced manufacturing, tourism and long-term cooperation frameworks.
Beyond Trade: A Strategic Partnership for the Future
More than 600 French companies currently operate in the UAE — from major multinationals to SMEs and startups — spanning technology, healthcare, energy, defence, luxury goods and infrastructure. Margueritte’s position is clear: the UAE is no longer just a market for France, but a co-builder of future industries.
“In times of profound global transformation, trusted partnerships are more important than ever,” he noted.
Vision Golfe Forum: Paris, June 2026
Business France will host the Vision Golfe forum in Paris on 18–19 June, with between 1,300 and 1,500 attendees expected from across France and the Gulf. The 2026 edition will focus on AI, energy transition, industrial partnerships, logistics, water security and human capital development. Last year’s edition generated over 2,000 high-level business meetings.
For investors and businesses tracking France-Gulf economic flows, the bilateral momentum is accelerating — and this forum is shaping up to be the year’s most significant commercial platform connecting the two regions.
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