French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he will celebrate Christmas with deployed French forces and discuss bilateral strategic partnership. Accompanied by key ministers, he aims to bolster cooperation against narcotraffic and announce military advancements. This presidential tradition highlights regional crises.
Emmanuel Macron landed in Abu Dhabi late morning local time on Sunday, December 21, 2025, accompanied by Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin. He was warmly welcomed by Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his crown prince at the recently inaugurated Zayed National Museum.
In a scheduled meeting, the two leaders will discuss strengthening the strategic partnership, particularly in security and defense. Over 900 French soldiers are stationed on three bases in the UAE. Addressing these troops, Macron announced the start of construction for a new French aircraft carrier to replace the Charles de Gaulle and enter service in 2038. “In accordance with the last two military programming laws, and after a complete and thorough review, I have decided to equip France with a new aircraft carrier,” he stated.
This visit follows the French presidential tradition of celebrating year-end holidays with troops abroad, with the UAE selected due to the crises crystallizing in the region. Franco-Emirati cooperation spans artificial intelligence, culture, and trade, with the UAE as France's top export client in the Middle East and North Africa.
A key goal is securing UAE support in France's declared “war” on narcotraffic. French narcotraffickers are said to have settled in Dubai, amassing significant real estate fortunes. Gérald Darmanin had already requested the extradition of about 15 suspects in November. The issue gained prominence after the November assassination of Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille, brother of an anti-narcotraffic activist. In a Marseille speech, Macron stressed the need to cooperate with host countries of “network heads” to seize assets and make arrests.
French soldiers in the UAE contribute to anti-narcotics efforts, seizing over 20 tons of drugs in the Indian Ocean in 2025, worth hundreds of millions of euros, according to frigate commander Pascal Forissier. He acknowledged these seizures represent “only a small part” of the traffic. They also join Operation Aspides against Houthi strikes in the Red Sea and Operation Chammal against the Islamic State. On Monday, Macron will attend a military demonstration highlighting France's autonomous action capability in a tense international context.
