emirates7 - A UAE delegation concluded a three-day visit to France focused on exploring cooperation opportunities and exchanging best practices with key French stakeholders to address upcoming challenges in the energy transition through innovative approaches.
This visit aligned with the UAE’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with other countries in promoting sustainable development and enhancing energy security. Key topics included progress in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and infrastructure, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonisation strategies.
The delegation was led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and included Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, alongside representatives from AMMROC, Emirates, General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee’ah, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel.
Eng. Al Olama stated, “The UAE and France share a strong dedication to continuous advancement, innovation, and embracing future trends. This visit aimed to support the UAE’s clean energy transition by identifying best practices, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and equipping delegates with practical knowledge to advance national sustainability goals.
As a global leader in technology, France is pioneering innovative solutions to today’s critical challenges and is a valued partner in the UAE’s efforts to a better future.”
He added, “I extend my gratitude to all French officials and private sector representatives for their warm welcome and hospitality. I look forward to transforming our productive discussions into tangible projects that will help build sustainable energy systems and accelerate the clean energy transition, ultimately leaving a better world for future generations.”
On the first day in Paris, the delegation took part in a closed meeting at MEDEF International, France’s leading business network, alongside French company representatives led by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. They discussed ongoing cooperation projects and ways to expand them.
Both sides presented overviews of their national hydrogen strategies, followed by presentations on hydrogen development projects and solutions from prominent French energy companies including HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Axens, Engie, Technip Energies, Fives Group, and Dassault Systèmes.
Nuclear energy also featured prominently, with briefings on the French nuclear value chain, fuel management challenges, and recent advancements in small modular reactors from leading French nuclear and SMR experts at CSFN, ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Newcleo, and Naarea.
Al Olama stressed the importance of collaboration, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to activating strategic partnerships with France in key energy sectors to strengthen economic ties and jointly pursue decarbonisation goals.
The second day in Paris was filled with site visits and meetings. The delegation toured Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub, gaining insights into the company’s AI-powered energy management and automation technologies.
They also visited Air Liquide’s R&D labs, where they explored cutting-edge technologies in industrial and healthcare gases and services.
A French Civil Aviation Authority representative shared the country’s policies and regulations on promoting SAF, while a UAE delegate presented the national strategy to increase SAF use to decarbonise aviation.
Al Olama engaged in a dynamic discussion on shared sustainability commitments with representatives from Airbus, Total Energies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy.
On the third and final day, the delegation traveled to Toulouse to visit the Airbus mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line, one of the most advanced aviation production facilities. They also met with UAE graduates interning at Airbus.
The UAE and France maintain strong, long-standing relations that have deepened significantly in recent years.
This visit aligned with the UAE’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with other countries in promoting sustainable development and enhancing energy security. Key topics included progress in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) regulations and infrastructure, hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonisation strategies.
The delegation was led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and included Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, alongside representatives from AMMROC, Emirates, General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee’ah, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel.
Eng. Al Olama stated, “The UAE and France share a strong dedication to continuous advancement, innovation, and embracing future trends. This visit aimed to support the UAE’s clean energy transition by identifying best practices, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and equipping delegates with practical knowledge to advance national sustainability goals.
As a global leader in technology, France is pioneering innovative solutions to today’s critical challenges and is a valued partner in the UAE’s efforts to a better future.”
He added, “I extend my gratitude to all French officials and private sector representatives for their warm welcome and hospitality. I look forward to transforming our productive discussions into tangible projects that will help build sustainable energy systems and accelerate the clean energy transition, ultimately leaving a better world for future generations.”
On the first day in Paris, the delegation took part in a closed meeting at MEDEF International, France’s leading business network, alongside French company representatives led by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. They discussed ongoing cooperation projects and ways to expand them.
Both sides presented overviews of their national hydrogen strategies, followed by presentations on hydrogen development projects and solutions from prominent French energy companies including HY24, EDF Renouvelables, Axens, Engie, Technip Energies, Fives Group, and Dassault Systèmes.
Nuclear energy also featured prominently, with briefings on the French nuclear value chain, fuel management challenges, and recent advancements in small modular reactors from leading French nuclear and SMR experts at CSFN, ORANO, CEA, Nuward, Newcleo, and Naarea.
Al Olama stressed the importance of collaboration, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to activating strategic partnerships with France in key energy sectors to strengthen economic ties and jointly pursue decarbonisation goals.
The second day in Paris was filled with site visits and meetings. The delegation toured Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub, gaining insights into the company’s AI-powered energy management and automation technologies.
They also visited Air Liquide’s R&D labs, where they explored cutting-edge technologies in industrial and healthcare gases and services.
A French Civil Aviation Authority representative shared the country’s policies and regulations on promoting SAF, while a UAE delegate presented the national strategy to increase SAF use to decarbonise aviation.
Al Olama engaged in a dynamic discussion on shared sustainability commitments with representatives from Airbus, Total Energies, Safran, Bureau Veritas, and Haffner Energy.
On the third and final day, the delegation traveled to Toulouse to visit the Airbus mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line, one of the most advanced aviation production facilities. They also met with UAE graduates interning at Airbus.
The UAE and France maintain strong, long-standing relations that have deepened significantly in recent years.