UAE and France Step Up AI Collaboration at Voices of AI 2026
The UAE and France are set to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence as CCI France UAE and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi prepare to host the second edition of Voices of AI: The UAE–France Business Forum on 22 September 2026.
Held under the patronage of the Ambassador of France to the UAE, the event will bring together more than 300 representatives from government, academia, investment and industry to examine opportunities across the rapidly expanding AI ecosystem. The forum comes as both countries increase their focus on AI infrastructure, industrial adoption and responsible technology development.
The event will explore the AI value chain from research and investment to entrepreneurship, infrastructure and real-world deployment, while creating opportunities for French technology companies and startups seeking to expand into the UAE market.
The programme will address key areas including sovereign AI and data protection, healthcare and precision medicine, energy and infrastructure, retail, luxury and agentic commerce, and digital humanities. Organisers say the forum is designed to move beyond discussions around AI and create opportunities for cross-border partnerships, investment and market access between French and Emirati businesses.
“This second edition further strengthens our ambition to connect ecosystems, showcase excellence, and generate concrete business opportunities,” said Agnès Lopez Cruz, Managing Director of CCI France UAE. Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said the forum will support collaboration across academia, industry, government and investment as part of the university’s wider Year of AI agenda.
The programme will feature plenary sessions, sector-focused discussions, startup pitches and a white paper examining future opportunities for UAE–France AI collaboration. An Innovation Village will also showcase AI technologies and live solutions. Companies including Schneider Electric, Dassault Systèmes, Alcatel, L’Oréal, Chalhoub Group and Apgar are expected to contribute industry perspectives.
Registration for Voices of AI 2026 remains open until 18 September, with the forum taking place at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi on 22 September.
