The United Arab Emirates and France will sign major contracts when President Emmanuel Macron visits Dubai on December 3 a senior Emirati official said on Tuesday as the two close allies look to deepen economic and political ties.
I don't want to spoil the Christmas present with the president, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told reporters when asked whether Abu Dhabi would purchase French Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
There are various agreements that will be signed, and this is an excellent relationship. After the president's visit, the relationship will be broader in different areas, he said, including technology and healthcare.
On Friday, Macron begins a two-day trip to the Gulf, which includes Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It comes at a time when Gulf Arab states have voiced uncertainty about the United States' focus on the region, even as they seek more weapons from their key security ally.
The French leader has good relationships with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, with investments flowing between the two countries. In the Emirati capital, Paris has a permanent military base.
The on-off negotiations for the Rafale fighter jets have been going on for more than a decade. Abu Dhabi already has Mirage warplanes.
Challenges Magazine reported on Nov. 19 that talks were now at an advanced stage for between 30 -- 60 planes and could be sealed during Macron's visit. Neighbouring Qatar has already ordered Rafales.
A UAE deal to buy American F-35 fighter jets has slowed due to concerns about the UAE's relationship with China, including the prevalence of Huawei 5 G technology in the country.
France is a reliable ally and we see it as an important player in the region. We've had a good relationship with France for the past four decades. President Macron's visit will consolidate that, Gargash said.