UAE officials conclude strategic visit to France, exploring hydrogen, nuclear, and SAF cooperation to strengthen bilateral energy ties and accelerate the global transition to clean power.
A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates concluded a three-day mission to France this week, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in energy innovation, sustainable fuels, and clean technology. The visit, led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted both countries’ shared ambition to accelerate the global energy transition.
The visit formed part of the UAE’s wider efforts to build international partnerships aimed at supporting energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable development. Over the course of three days, UAE officials and industry leaders engaged with French government agencies, companies, and research institutions to explore cooperation in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonisation.
“Our visit to France reflects the deepening UAE-France partnership and our mutual commitment to innovation, progress, and sustainability,” said Al Olama. “France is a global leader in energy technologies and an important partner for us as we pursue a clean energy future. We return to the UAE with valuable insights and opportunities for joint initiatives.”
The UAE delegation included Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, along with senior representatives from Emirates, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Bee’ah, AMMROC, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel.
Exploring Synergies on Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy
On the first day in Paris, the delegation met with French business leaders at a closed-door session hosted by MEDEF International. The meeting was attended by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and featured discussions on expanding joint energy projects.
A key highlight of the day was the bilateral exchange on national hydrogen strategies, where stakeholders from both countries outlined their ambitions for low-carbon hydrogen development. Presentations followed from leading French companies including HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Engie, Axens, and Dassault Systèmes.
The delegation also received in-depth briefings on France’s nuclear value chain, fuel cycle management, and advancements in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. French nuclear experts from CSFN, ORANO, CEA, and start-ups like Nuward and Newcleo discussed collaboration opportunities in SMRs and nuclear safety.
“The future of clean energy relies on meaningful international cooperation,” Al Olama noted. “France and the UAE can work together to develop and deploy technologies that make a real difference, from hydrogen fuel to next-generation nuclear systems.”
Day Two: Innovation and SAF in Focus
The second day in Paris focused on site visits and applied research. The delegation visited Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub, gaining insights into the company’s AI-powered solutions for energy management, automation, and efficiency optimisation.
Another stop included the research and development labs of Air Liquide, where the UAE representatives examined cutting-edge industrial gas technologies being applied in energy and healthcare sectors.
Sustainable aviation fuel also took centre stage, as French civil aviation officials outlined regulatory frameworks to boost SAF adoption. The UAE delegation, in turn, presented its national strategy for increasing SAF use across Emirates and other carriers, aiming to decarbonise one of the most emissions-intensive sectors.
Meetings with executives from Airbus, Safran, Total Energies, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy further reinforced the shared vision of fostering cleaner skies and smarter energy use.
Final Day: Aviation Industry Tour in Toulouse
On the final day, the delegation travelled to Toulouse, France’s aerospace capital, where they toured the Airbus mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line—one of the most advanced aircraft production facilities in the world. The tour showcased Airbus’s commitment to sustainability through aircraft innovation and manufacturing efficiency.
A special session was also held with Emirati students currently interning at Airbus, reflecting the UAE’s emphasis on talent development and international exposure in key industries.
Strategic Partnership for a Sustainable Future
France and the UAE have steadily deepened their cooperation in recent years, particularly in the fields of energy, climate action, and technology. The latest visit further cements this relationship, laying the groundwork for tangible projects in clean hydrogen, SAF, and nuclear innovation.
“I sincerely thank our French hosts for the warmth and openness shown throughout our stay,” said Al Olama. “Our conversations were not just informative—they were inspirational. We now have the tools, knowledge, and partners to turn those discussions into real-world outcomes that serve our shared climate and energy goals.”
As global pressures to decarbonise mount, partnerships like that between the UAE and France offer a blueprint for international collaboration rooted in technology, trust, and long-term vision.
