The UAE and France are strengthening their economic partnership through expanded cooperation in tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship, and small business development, reflecting the growing commercial and cultural ties between the two nations.

During the UAE delegation’s visit to France, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri met with Serge Papin on the sidelines of VivaTech 2026, held in Paris from June 17 to 20.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including tourism, aviation connectivity, startup ecosystems, and SME growth, while exploring new opportunities to strengthen economic relations between the UAE and France.

Tourism Cooperation Continues to Expand

Tourism emerged as a major area of collaboration during the meeting. Both countries explored opportunities to develop joint tourism initiatives, enhance hospitality training programmes, and strengthen partnerships between tourism and educational institutions.

The discussions also covered strategies to promote tourism destinations and cultural landmarks in both countries, encouraging greater visitor exchange and deeper cultural engagement. The two sides further explored cooperation through initiatives supported by UN Tourism, particularly programmes focused on sustainable tourism development.

The UAE is also set to host the next Executive Council meeting of UN Tourism later this year, reinforcing its growing role in shaping the future of global tourism.

The continued growth of the tourism sector is creating new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs looking to Start a Tourism Business in Dubai, as the emirate strengthens its position as one of the world's leading travel and hospitality destinations.

Visitor Numbers and Aviation Links Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Strong air connectivity continues to support tourism, trade, and investment flows between the two countries.
In 2025, approximately 840,000 French visitors travelled to the UAE, representing an increase of nearly 4 percent compared to the previous year. Aviation connectivity has also expanded, with 53 weekly flights operating between the UAE and France, facilitating greater movement of tourists, business travellers, and investors.

The increasing volume of travel reflects growing confidence in both markets and highlights the importance of continued cooperation in aviation and tourism infrastructure.

French Companies Accelerate Expansion into the UAE

The UAE continues to attract significant interest from French businesses seeking regional and international growth opportunities.

According to figures shared during the meeting, the number of French companies registered in the UAE rose from 7,089 at the end of 2024 to 10,202 by the end of 2025, representing an impressive 44 percent increase.

Growth has continued throughout 2026, with 1,153 additional French companies established during the first five months of the year. As a result, the total number of French companies operating in the UAE has now surpassed 11,000.

Commenting on the trend, Abdulla bin Touq highlighted the remarkable expansion of the French business community in the UAE, describing it as a reflection of the country's attractive investment environment and business-friendly regulations.

The UAE market also provides strong intellectual property protection, with more than 20,458 French trademarks currently registered and protected across the country.

UAE Showcases Opportunities for Startups and SMEs

During the discussions, the UAE highlighted several advantages available to international entrepreneurs and SMEs, including 100 percent foreign ownership, access to more than 2,000 licensed economic activities, and full repatriation of profits.

These advantages continue to attract international investors looking to establish operations in the region, whether they choose to create a limited liability company in Dubai, establish a mainland business, or operate through one of the UAE's many free zones.

The government has also introduced more than 10 programmes dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup growth, further strengthening the country's position as a global business hub.

SMEs remain a cornerstone of the UAE economy, accounting for approximately 95 percent of all businesses operating in the country. The sector contributes around 63 percent of the UAE’s GDP and generates more than 85 percent of private-sector employment.

As tourism, trade, and investment relations between the UAE and France continue to strengthen, both countries are positioning themselves for deeper economic collaboration and long-term growth across multiple sectors.

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Source - https://gulfnews.com/business/economy/uae-and-france-expand-tourism-aviation-ties-as-french-companies-surge-44-1.500579731