- A UAE delegation visited France to boost cooperation on clean energy, focusing on hydrogen, SAF, nuclear, and decarbonisation.
- The visit aimed to share best practices and advance joint projects supporting the UAE’s energy transition
A United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation visited France to boost cooperation on clean energy, focusing on hydrogen, SAF, nuclear, and decarbonisation. The visit aimed to share best practices and advance joint projects supporting the UAE’s energy transition.
The visit kicked off in Paris with a closed-door session hosted by MEDEF International, France’s premier business network. The UAE delegation met with top French energy companies and officials, including Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Both sides presented overviews of their national hydrogen strategies, followed by in-depth presentations from major French energy players such as HY24, Engie, EDF Renouvelables, Technip Energies, Axens, and Dassault Systèmes.
In nuclear energy, experts from ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Naarea, Newcleo, and CSFN briefed the delegation on France’s nuclear value chain, advanced fuel management systems, and recent developments in small modular reactors (SMRs).
Omar Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, reaffirmed the UAE’s intent to strengthen bilateral cooperation with France in hydrogen and nuclear innovation to accelerate decarbonisation targets and enhance energy security.
On the second day, the delegation toured the Schneider Electric Innovation Hub, exploring AI-driven energy optimisation systems and smart infrastructure technologies. At Air Liquide’s R&D labs, delegates observed cutting-edge gas solutions and clean energy applications.
The UAE and France also exchanged views on SAF policy frameworks. A French Civil Aviation Authority official outlined national regulations and promotion strategies, while a UAE delegate presented the country’s roadmap for increasing SAF adoption to decarbonise aviation.
In Paris, the UAE officials also discussed sustainable aviation, regulatory cooperation, and public-private partnerships to advance net-zero ambitions with representatives from Airbus, TotalEnergies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy.
The visit concluded in Toulouse, where the delegation toured Airbus’ mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line, one of the aviation industry’s most advanced production facilities. The officials also met with UAE graduates interning at Airbus, highlighting talent development as a cornerstone of the UAE-France partnership.
Omar Al Olama thanked French stakeholders for their hospitality. He emphasised the UAE’s commitment to transforming the outcomes of the visit into tangible projects that will contribute to a cleaner, more secure global energy future.
“We aim to translate our discussions into joint initiatives that support sustainable energy systems and help leave behind a better world for future generations,” he added.
The UAE and France continue to expand their long-standing strategic relationship, which has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly in the clean energy and technology sectors.
The UAE’s proactive diplomacy and global engagement reflect its broader strategy to accelerate sustainable development, diversify its energy mix, and lead international efforts to transition to clean energy.