Photo Credit: WAM
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has joined forces with CCI France UAE to host the UAE-France Energy Forum at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, experts and investors from both countries.
Held under the theme “Powering Tomorrow Together,” the forum focused on expanding bilateral energy cooperation and identifying new opportunities across renewable power, infrastructure, nuclear energy, emerging technologies and lower-carbon oil and gas operations.
The event built on the longstanding energy relationship between the UAE and France and followed a high-level UAE delegation visit to Paris in May 2025.
Discussions centred on how both countries can respond to a rapidly changing global energy landscape while balancing decarbonisation, energy security, economic competitiveness, technological advancement and reliable energy supply.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said the UAE and France share a common commitment to building energy systems that are secure, resilient, competitive and increasingly low carbon.
He said the forum provided an opportunity to turn that shared ambition into practical cooperation by connecting governments, industry leaders, investors and research institutions.
Al Olama highlighted several areas with strong potential for collaboration, including renewable energy, electricity grids, energy storage, nuclear power, advanced technologies, oil and gas decarbonisation and strategic energy infrastructure.
Marie Audouard, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the UAE, said France is ready to support the UAE in strengthening the resilience and strategic autonomy of its energy system.
“Together, we are building a more secure, resilient, and low-carbon energy future,” she said.
The forum featured three high-level thematic sessions examining some of the energy sector’s most pressing priorities.
The first session, titled “Powering Resilience: Renewables, Grids, Storage & Strategic Energy Infrastructure,” focused on developing electricity systems capable of integrating higher levels of renewable energy while responding to growing power demand.
Participants discussed grid modernisation, energy storage, renewable integration and infrastructure investment, as well as the impact of economic growth and technological development on future electricity networks.
The second session, “Low-Carbon Solutions: Nuclear & Innovative Technologies Shaping Energy Sovereignty,” explored the role of nuclear energy and emerging low-carbon technologies in supporting energy security, emissions reduction and long-term resilience.
Speakers also examined how industrial capabilities, technology and technical expertise can contribute to reliable low-carbon energy systems, while identifying opportunities for greater knowledge exchange between UAE and French stakeholders.
The third session, “Oil & Gas: Carbon Footprint Reduction, CCS, Energy Security & the Future of Global Supply,” focused on the continuing role of hydrocarbons in the global energy mix and the transformation taking place across the sector.
Discussions covered carbon capture and storage, emissions reduction, operational efficiency, technology and innovation, alongside the relationship between energy security, investment and future global supply.
In addition to the panel sessions, the event hosted government-to-government meetings, business-to-business discussions and networking sessions designed to connect organisations from both countries and encourage new partnerships across the energy value chain.
The forum also highlighted the importance of cooperation between governments, energy companies, infrastructure operators, technology firms, investors, financial institutions, universities and research organisations as the global energy transition becomes increasingly complex.
Through the “Powering Tomorrow Together” initiative, the UAE and France reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and practical collaboration in areas of shared strategic interest.
The forum is expected to support continued engagement between Emirati and French stakeholders, with future cooperation likely to focus on technology, industrial development, investment and strategic energy projects.
