The UAE and France have expanded their strategic cooperation, signing a comprehensive framework agreement to collaborate on artificial intelligence projects and investments. The agreement includes joint development of a 1GW AI campus in France, investment in AI technologies, and a focus on advanced infrastructure, talent development, and digital sovereignty.
The agreement was signed by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, and Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, alongside Éric Lombard, Minister for Economy, Finance, and Digital Sovereignty.
The AI partnership builds on the UAE-France Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership and Bilateral Climate Investment Platform launched in 2022 and 2023, reflecting both nations’ commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable development and innovation.
The framework focuses on building out the AI value chain through initiatives such as sovereign AI, data centre infrastructure, and strategic investments in AI research and chip production. Plans include creating Virtual Data Embassies, which will facilitate secure data storage and enhance digital sovereignty for both nations.
The UAE’s role in co-developing high-performance AI systems comes amid its broader ambition to position itself as a global leader in technology, exemplified by its $1 billion investment in the AI campus in France. France will play a critical role in developing advanced chips and providing expertise in AI applications for industrial and financial sectors.
The partnership is expected to foster innovation across various industries, including energy, climate action, and technology while creating sovereign AI capabilities that reduce dependency on external cloud and data services.
