Macron Visits UAE to Celebrate Christmas with Troops and Strengthen Ties

Abu Dhabi, UAE – French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with French troops stationed in the Gulf country and to discuss closer cooperation with UAE leaders.

Macron is scheduled to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss “strengthening the strategic partnership” between the two nations, with a focus on security and defence, the French presidency said.

Each year, the French president celebrates the end-of-year holidays with troops deployed abroad. Over 900 French soldiers are currently stationed in the UAE. Macron is expected to address the troops on Sunday and share a Christmas meal prepared by chefs from the Elysee Palace.

France and the UAE also collaborate in areas such as trade and artificial intelligence. This year, France is seeking greater support from the UAE in its fight against drug trafficking. Authorities believe some major traffickers have taken refuge in Dubai, where they may have invested in substantial real estate.

The French delegation includes Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, who recently urged the UAE to extradite around 15 suspected drug traffickers wanted in France. Macron has emphasized the need for international cooperation to seize assets and arrest ringleaders hiding abroad.

French forces in the UAE are involved in anti-drug patrols at sea. They also participate in EU-led Operation Aspides in the Red Sea, aimed at countering attacks on ships by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and Operation Chammal, targeting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.