Macron Arrives in UAE as Gulf Tour Focuses on Hormuz Security

19/10/2026

ABU DHABI, Oct 19: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday as part of a three-day Gulf tour aimed at strengthening regional partnerships and addressing security and maritime navigation concerns amid heightened tensions in the region.

Macron was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon his arrival, according to UAE media reports. The reception was also attended by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; 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, Adviser to the UAE President; and several other Emirati officials. The UAE is the second stop on Macron’s four-country Gulf tour, which began in Kuwait on Monday. He is scheduled to visit Bahrain and Qatar before concluding the tour on Oct 21.

The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway vital to global energy supplies.

According to the French presidency, Macron’s regional discussions are intended to promote stability and freedom of navigation through the strait, while addressing energy security and the protection and diversification of energy supplies and transport routes.

Talks in the UAE are also expected to cover defence, security, economic relations and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as France seeks to strengthen its strategic and economic partnerships with Gulf countries.

Macron Arrives in UAE as Gulf Tour Focuses on Hormuz Security

French president welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed after Kuwait visit