France and the GCC confirmed a new phase of bilateral economic cooperation this week at Vision Golfe 2026 in Paris, with signed agreements in quantum technology and food security, a healthcare market intelligence report launch, and more than 3,500 business-to-business meetings across two days of intensive engagement.
Organised by Business France, the forum drew over 1,200 participants including five ministers and senior officials from all six GCC member states. Trade between France and the GCC reached nearly โฌ25 billion in 2025, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier said at the opening, framing the figure as both a measure of existing strength and a baseline for further expansion.
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Among the concrete outcomes, French quantum computing firm Quandela signed a partnership with Qatar’s Mekdam Holding Group, marking a Franco-Qatari foray into deeptech collaboration. On food security, Rungis International Market operator SEMMARIS and Abu Dhabi Food Hub formalised a cooperation agreement targeting stronger agrifood supply chains between European and Gulf markets. A dedicated Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund workshop allowed stakeholders to map out investment collaboration between the two sides.
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In healthcare, Global Health Stratalogues launched its flagship report, Roadmap to Entering the KSA Healthcare Market: A Strategic Guide for International Companies, at the summit on 19 June. Produced with MedEdge MEA as media partner and published in collaboration with the Global Health Exhibition, the report positions Vision Golfe as a growing platform for healthcare sector intelligence in the region.
The forum’s 13 panel discussions spanned energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, logistics, water infrastructure, smart cities, cybersecurity, space, defence, food security, healthcare, and luxury and fashion. A dedicated session on strategic resilience addressed Franco-Gulf cooperation in defence and high-technology domains, while water security and circular resource management were flagged as priority areas for public-private partnerships.
Gulf ministerial representation was broad. Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, outlined the Kingdom’s push to develop mining as a strategic economic pillar. UAE Undersecretary at the Ministry of Investment Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Hawi highlighted UAE-France strategic partnership priorities. Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, characterised the bilateral relationship as one grounded in shared values of stability and long-term thinking.
On the French side, Economy Minister Roland Lescure argued that broadening cooperation into technology, culture, and creative industries is the most durable route to peace and stability, even amid active regional tensions. A high-profile networking evening at the Palais Galliera in Paris brought together fashion and luxury figures from both sides, including Pascal Morand, President of the French Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion, and H.R.H. Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud.
Now in its established role as the flagship forum for Franco-Gulf economic dialogue, Vision Golfe 2026 was supported by partners including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Food Hub, Qatar National Bank, Estithmar Holding, Armada Holding, CGX Aero, Saur, Sanofi, SEMMARIS, and Novelty. Additional partnership and investment announcements from the two days of discussions are expected in the weeks ahead.
