A Partnership Flourishing: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Celebrates UAE-France Relations at CCI Gala

At an elegant gala in Dubai, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence reflected on more than five decades of bilateral cooperation, emphasising how innovation and shared values are shaping the future for both nations.

Nearly 900 guests from the Emirati and French business communities gathered at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai for an evening that celebrated not merely commerce, but the deeper cultural and intellectual bonds that unite two nations. The 2026 CCI France UAE Annual Gala Dinner, held under the theme Moving Forward Together, Shaping the Future, provided the stage for Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, to articulate a vision of partnership that extends far beyond trade and investment.

In his address, Sheikh Nahyan welcomed Marie Audouard, Ambassador of France to the UAE, and Thierry Dezenclos, President of CCI France UAE, before reflecting on the arc of UAE-France relations across more than five decades. He expressed appreciation for the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, noting that President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Abu Dhabi the previous month had reflected a shared determination to deepen these connections. The warmth between the two presidents, he observed, demonstrated the strength of their longstanding and productive cooperation.

What distinguishes this partnership, Sheikh Nahyan suggested, is its breadth. Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the relationship has evolved to encompass trade, investment, education, culture, science and technology. Institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi exemplify how the partnership transcends economic opportunity to embrace knowledge, culture and shared human values.

The gala’s theme, Sheikh Nahyan emphasised, captures an essential truth: the future is shaped by decisions, values and a willingness to work together. Recent agreements reached during President Macron’s visit on artificial intelligence, advanced technology and energy reflect the two countries’ shared commitment to building that future in concert. Yet he stressed a principle that elevates commerce to something more profound: that innovation and cooperation must ultimately improve people’s wellbeing and strengthen both nations’ presence and influence on the global stage.

In a reflection that echoed themes he has explored elsewhere in his work on contemporary creativity, Sheikh Nahyan articulated a philosophy in which values guide progress. Technology must serve humanity. Economic development should create new opportunities. Innovation must uphold human dignity and strengthen the bonds that unite communities. Looking towards the future, he observed, goes hand in hand with valuing the past. Both the UAE and France take pride in their histories, traditions and cultural identities, and heritage strengthens confidence in identity whilst innovation broadens aspirations.

Tolerance, openness and mutual understanding, he noted, are fundamental values in both countries, enabling people of different backgrounds and beliefs to live and work together peacefully and encouraging the creativity and trust upon which lasting partnerships depend. Addressing the business leaders present, Sheikh Nahyan called on them to invest in the human foundations of progress by creating opportunities for young Emirati and French graduates, strengthening partnerships with universities, sharing knowledge and expertise, and preparing a new generation of thoughtful, capable and responsible leaders.

The evening also honoured achievement. The 2026 CCI France UAE Business Awards recognised innovation and entrepreneurship across categories: Emerge received the Innovation Leadership Award in the multinational company category, whilst Hushday won the Rising Innovator Award in the startup and SME category in partnership with La French Tech UAE. Defrise received the French Touch Award in the same category, presented in collaboration with La French Touch MENA and sponsored by Bpifrance. Joseph Moussallem, Vice President of CCI France UAE, guided the proceedings as master of ceremonies.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This gala represents more than ceremonial recognition of commercial ties. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a centre where global partnerships are built on foundations of cultural respect, intellectual exchange and shared purpose. The institutions celebrated in Sheikh Nahyan’s remarks, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, are tangible expressions of this philosophy, drawing upon French expertise and vision to enrich the emirate’s cultural and educational landscape.

For the business communities of both nations, the evening reinforced a message that has become central to the UAE’s leadership vision: that prosperity and innovation are most meaningful when they serve humanity and strengthen social bonds. As Sheikh Nahyan has emphasised in his advocacy for education and opportunity, the future belongs to those who invest in young talent and prepare new generations for responsible leadership. The awards presented at the gala celebrated precisely that spirit of creation and dedication.

Source: WAM

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