Paris, France – Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, discussed with Serge Babin, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power in the French government, opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries during the next stage. This is in the fields of tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises.
This came on the sidelines of the visit of the UAE delegation, headed by Abdullah bin Tawq Al Marri, to France to participate in the “Viva Tech 2026” exhibition for entrepreneurship and advanced technology. Hosted by the French capital, Paris, from June 17 to 20 under the slogan “Artificial Intelligence.. Influence, not illusion.
Abdullah bin Touq stressed that the UAE and France have developed and distinguished economic and investment relations. It comes within the framework of the support and forward-looking vision of the leaderships of the two countries to strengthen these relations and raise them to new levels of growth and prosperity. In a way that serves common interests and supports the sustainable growth of their economies.
build new partnerships
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance joint work in the tourism sector. By developing capabilities and building new partnerships between academic institutions specialized in the fields of tourism and hospitality management in the two countries. They also touched on the importance of mutual promotion of destinations and tourist attractions in the UAE and France. Which contributes to enhancing cultural understanding and strengthening ties between the two friendly peoples.
The two parties discussed opportunities for cooperation within the programs of the United Nations Tourism Organization, and explored joint initiatives that support the growth and sustainable development of the tourism sector. Especially since the UAE will host the next session of the organization’s Executive Council meeting during the second half of this year.
Distinctive economic cooperation
The tourism sector represents one of the most prominent engines of economic cooperation between the two sides. The number of French tourists coming to the UAE reached about 840,000 tourists during 2025, an increase of approximately 4% compared to 2024. While the number of flights between the two countries reached 53 flights per week. This will contribute to supporting opportunities for developing partnerships and business activities at the private sector level during the next phase.
During the meeting, Bin Touq briefed the French side on the competitive advantages that the UAE provides for the growth and sustainability of the businesses of emerging, small and medium companies. Including providing 100% foreign ownership of companies and providing more than 2,000 economic activities. With the ability to transfer profits by 100%, in addition to more than 10 major government programs to support entrepreneurship. Especially since the percentage of small and medium-sized companies is about 95% of the total companies operating in the Emirates. It provides more than 85% of job opportunities in the private sector, while its contribution to the country’s GDP reaches 63%.
There are more than 20,458 French trademarks registered and protected in the UAE markets. Reflecting the strength of the partnership between the UAE and French business sectors, the attractiveness of the country’s economic environment, and the diversity of its investment opportunities.
