Abu Dhabi, April 13, 2025 — The Europe Today: His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, reaffirmed the enduring and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the French Republic during a keynote address at the CCI France UAE Annual Gala Dinner, held in Abu Dhabi.
The event, attended by more than 800 distinguished guests, brought together high-level dignitaries, ambassadors, and business leaders from both nations. Set under the theme “From Heritage to Innovation,” the evening celebrated the synergy between tradition and progress, and reinforced the long-standing cultural and economic bonds that unite the two countries.
In his address, Sheikh Nahyan praised CCI France UAE for its role in enhancing bilateral cooperation over the decades. He noted that the theme aptly reflected the UAE’s own development model—one grounded in heritage, guided by innovation, and committed to sustainable progress under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
“This annual gala presents an opportunity to celebrate the deep-rooted relationship between the UAE and France—one built over decades of constructive cooperation and mutual understanding,” Sheikh Nahyan stated. “CCI France UAE has played a vital and positive role in building cultural and economic bridges between our two nations.”
He went on to emphasize the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and international partnerships in achieving meaningful innovation, particularly when aligned with cultural preservation and environmental consciousness.
“Innovation knows no boundaries,” he remarked. “But to achieve tangible results, we must ensure collaboration across government and private sectors and build local and international networks that support sustainable growth.”
The evening also featured the presentation of Business and Excellence Awards, recognizing standout contributions to the UAE’s business and innovation landscape. Among the honorees were:
- SYP – Shake Your Plants, an innovative startup committed to sustainable nutrition.
- Nojoom, a leading French joint venture in the UAE, acknowledged for its impactful local presence.
The gala offered attendees a vibrant platform to explore joint initiatives that merge cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Pioneering projects and partnerships showcased during the event underlined the dynamic evolution of Franco-Emirati cooperation.
As the largest French-speaking business community in the Middle East, CCI France UAE continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for bilateral trade, professional networking, and cross-cultural dialogue, with over 500 members including SMEs and global corporations.
The event concluded with a shared sentiment of optimism and commitment toward expanding collaboration in science, technology, culture, and commerce, with both nations reaffirming their roles as strategic partners on the global stage.
“Let us continue forward, inspired by our heritage and optimistic about the future we can create together,” Sheikh Nahyan concluded.
