Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, held a bilateral meeting with Serge Papin, French Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism, and Purchasing Power, to discuss opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in the coming period, particularly in the areas of tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship, and SMEs.
This meeting took place on the sidelines of a visit by a UAE delegation, headed by bin Touq, to France to participate in the VivaTech 2026 entrepreneurship and advanced technology exhibition, held in Paris from June 17 to 20, under the theme "Artificial Intelligence: Impact, Not Illusion."
Bin Touq emphasized that the UAE and France enjoy advanced and distinguished economic and investment relations, reflecting the support and forward-looking vision of the wise leadership in both countries to strengthen these ties and elevate them to new levels of growth and prosperity, serving mutual interests and supporting the sustainable growth of both economies. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance joint efforts in the tourism sector by developing capabilities and building new partnerships between academic institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality management in both countries. They also addressed the importance of mutual promotion of tourist destinations and attractions in the UAE and France, which contributes to strengthening cultural understanding and consolidating ties between the two friendly nations.
The two sides explored opportunities for cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO) programs and discussed joint initiatives that support the growth and sustainable development of the tourism sector, particularly as the UAE will host the next session of the UNWTO Executive Council meeting in the second half of this year.
The tourism sector is one of the most prominent drivers of economic cooperation between the two countries. The number of French tourists visiting the UAE is expected to reach approximately 840,000 in 2025, representing an increase of nearly 4% compared to 2024. Furthermore, the number of flights between the two countries has reached 53 per week, which will contribute to supporting opportunities for developing partnerships and business activities in the private sector in both countries in the coming period.
During the meeting, Bin Touq briefed the French side on the competitive advantages that the UAE provides for the growth and sustainability of startups and small and medium enterprises, including allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies, providing more than 2,000 economic activities, with the possibility of 100% profit transfer, in addition to more than 10 major government programs to support entrepreneurship, especially since small and medium enterprises account for about 95% of the total companies operating in the country, provide more than 85% of job opportunities in the private sector, and their contribution to the country’s GDP has reached 63%.