UAE And France Enhance Economic Ties At Second Investor Meetup

Following the success of its inaugural edition, ADGM, the leading international financial centre of the UAE’s capital, hosted the second UAE-France Investors Meetup. This exclusive gathering, led by Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, aims to foster partnerships between the two nations through dialogues on investment opportunities and collaboration within the UAE-French financial landscape.

In line with the UAE’s commitment to developing international cooperation with partner countries, this meeting, held in the presence of Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Investment Company, served as a platform for strengthening economic and financial ties between the UAE and France. Al Mubarak commented on the historic and broad economic ties as foundations for France and the Emirates to expand their investment ties across future industries and new value chains.

This year's event also witnessed active participation from both nations, facilitating discussions on opportunities, exploring new avenues for collaboration in key sectors, and enhancing mutual understanding of both financial landscapes. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and ADGM, welcomed Bruno Le Maire and the French delegation. He highlighted that trade has contributed to the growth and economic diversification of both nations.

Al Zaabi stated, "These meetups are crucial for discussing the evolution of economic systems and rethinking cross-border trade and investments. Abu Dhabi has played a pivotal role in facilitating these important dialogues, providing a platform for informed discussions and strategic partnerships. By hosting events like the annual Investor Meetup, we emphasise our commitment to fostering international cooperation and driving economic growth."

Bruno Le Maire declared, "France and the United Arab Emirates have never ceased to strengthen their relationship. Today marks a new stage in the deepening of our economic and financial ties. The format of this meeting is a success: it enables us to diversify and broaden our cooperation, drawing on each other's resources and capabilities to support our ambitions."

Bertrand Rambaud, Chairman of France Invest, commented on deepening ties with Abu Dhabi's financial ecosystem. He noted that the region offers numerous opportunities for GPs and portfolio companies. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas with policymakers with full support from French and Abu Dhabi authorities.

This year’s event reiterated a successful format by offering participants the opportunity to pre-select top-performing French private equity funds for tailored 15-minute speed dating sessions. These bespoke encounters allowed attendees to engage directly with key executives, fostering meaningful connections and exploring potential avenues for collaboration.

The UAE-France Investors Meetup represented a unique opportunity for stakeholders in both countries to forge strategic alliances, identify new opportunities, and drive mutual growth. As the event returns to ADGM, it reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial hub and underscores the enduring strength of the Franco-Emirati partnership.

Along with Bruno Le Maire, the French delegation included high-level representatives from top-tier French asset management companies.

With inputs from WAM