UAE, France Discuss Expanding Economic Cooperation in Tourism, SMEs and Entrepreneurship

Paris, The Gulf Observer: UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri held a bilateral meeting with French Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power Serge Papin to explore opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and France, with a particular focus on tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UAE delegation’s participation in VivaTech 2026, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurship and advanced technology exhibitions, being held in Paris from June 17 to 20 under the theme, “Artificial Intelligence: Impact, Not Illusion.”

During the discussions, Bin Touq emphasized the strong and growing economic and investment partnership between the UAE and France, attributing the progress to the strategic vision and continued support of the leadership of both countries. He noted that both sides remain committed to deepening bilateral relations in ways that support sustainable economic development and mutual prosperity.

The ministers reviewed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector through capacity-building initiatives and the development of new partnerships between academic institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality management in both countries. They also underscored the importance of jointly promoting tourist destinations and cultural landmarks in the UAE and France to foster greater cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people ties.

The two sides further explored avenues for collaboration through United Nations Tourism programmes and discussed joint initiatives aimed at supporting the sustainable growth of the tourism sector. Particular attention was given to the UAE’s upcoming hosting of the next UN Tourism Executive Council meeting in the second half of 2026.

Tourism continues to serve as a key pillar of economic cooperation between the two nations. According to official figures, approximately 840,000 French visitors traveled to the UAE in 2025, representing a nearly four percent increase compared to the previous year. Air connectivity has also expanded significantly, with 53 weekly flights currently operating between the two countries, creating new opportunities for trade, tourism and private-sector collaboration.

Bin Touq also highlighted the UAE’s business-friendly environment and the incentives available to startups and SMEs. These include 100 percent foreign ownership, access to more than 2,000 economic activities and full repatriation of profits. He noted that the UAE has launched over 10 major government programmes to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

SMEs currently account for approximately 95 percent of all businesses operating in the UAE, generate more than 85 percent of private-sector employment and contribute 63 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Highlighting the growing presence of French businesses in the UAE, Bin Touq said the number of French companies registered in the country increased from 7,089 at the end of 2024 to 10,202 by the end of 2025, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 44 percent. The momentum has continued into 2026, with 1,153 new French companies established during the first five months of the year, bringing the total number of French firms operating in the UAE to more than 11,000.

He added that over 20,458 French trademarks are currently registered and protected in the UAE market, underscoring the strength of bilateral commercial ties and the attractiveness of the UAE as a destination for international investment and business expansion.