Cooperation
France’s attractiveness policy in the United Arab Emirates is based on a large network of French players in the fields of education, training and culture. This network is based on 6 approved schools, 3 Alliances françaises in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, one university (Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University), a Graduate School with an international vocation (INSEAD), and a French Institute, which all actively participate in the influence of France, the development of Francophonie and the outreach of the French scientific presence in the Emirates and in the region.
Focus on French Cooperation in Archaeology
French archaeology abroad is the heir to a long tradition of excellence that is perpetuated by the research carried out in the UAE, since 1977, jointly by Emirati and French researchers. Their commitment reflects the strong aspects of this scientific cooperation for which French expertise is exported.
It is useful to recall that the Middle East remains the leading destination for French archaeologists with 46 missions out of 160 worldwide in 2016.
Arising from a joint Franco-Emirati initiative, the Conference on the Protection of Endangered Cultural Heritage in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of François Hollande, brought together many heads of states from more than 40 countries in December 2016. This event marks the importance of France’s cultural commitment and the UAE’s major political role in protecting the world’s archaeological heritage.