The UAE and France hold discussions on tourism, aviation, and SME partnerships amid a rise in visitor numbers.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE and France are exploring new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), amid a continued rise in the number of French companies operating in the UAE.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri held talks with France’s Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power Serge Papin during the UAE delegation’s visit to France.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of VivaTech 2026, an entrepreneurship and advanced technology exhibition in Paris running from June 17 to 20.
The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, including tourism partnerships, aviation connectivity, startup growth, and SME development.
Tourism cooperation was a key part of the talks, with both sides examining ways to deepen collaboration through training programmes and partnerships between tourism and hospitality education institutions.
The UAE and France also discussed initiatives to promote their respective tourist attractions and landmarks, aiming to boost visitor exchanges and strengthen cultural understanding.
In addition, they explored possible cooperation under programmes linked to UN Tourism, including efforts to support the sustainable development of the tourism sector.
The UAE is also set to host the next UN Tourism Executive Council meeting in the second half of the year.
Travel and economic links between the two countries continue to support both tourism and business activity.
Around 840,000 French tourists visited the UAE in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 4% compared with 2024.
Flight connectivity has also strengthened, with 53 weekly flights operating between the two countries, supporting travel, trade, and private-sector engagement.
French business presence in the UAE has expanded significantly in recent years.
The number of French companies registered in the UAE rose from 7,089 at the end of 2024 to 10,202 by the end of 2025, reflecting a 44% increase. A further 1,153 French companies were established in the first five months of 2026, bringing the total to more than 11,000 operating in the country.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri noted that the French business community has seen strong growth in recent years, highlighting the sharp rise in company registrations and continued momentum into 2026.
More than 20,458 French trademarks are registered and protected in the UAE market.
During the meeting, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted opportunities available to startups and SMEs in the UAE, including 100% foreign ownership of companies, access to more than 2,000 economic activities, and full repatriation of profits.
He also noted that the UAE has launched more than 10 government programmes aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and fostering business growth.
SMEs account for around 95% of companies operating in the UAE and contribute 63% of the country’s GDP, while generating more than 85% of private-sector jobs.
