GCC-France Business Forum 2026 in Dubai

About the GCC-France Business Forum

The GCC-France Business Forum returns for its second edition in Dubai, under the theme ‘Moving Forward Together, Shaping the Future’. Organised by CCI France UAE with the CCI France International network across the Gulf, the forum brings together institutional representatives and senior executives for a full day of discussion on business, trade and opportunity between France and the GCC.

It is aimed at French, French-speaking and Francophile business communities across the region, and it is one of the larger regional gatherings in the chamber’s calendar.

What to expect

The day opens with addresses from Frédéric Sanchez, President of CCI France International, and Thierry Dezenclos, President of CCI France UAE. Simon Ballard of First Abu Dhabi Bank then gives a macroeconomic overview of the GCC.

According to the official programme, the morning includes:

• A fireside chat on business resilience
• A panel on logistics corridors
• Parallel panels on tech, hospitality and construction, with the tech track powered by La French Tech
• A country conference focused on Iraq

After a networking lunch from 12:45 to 13:45, the afternoon continues with panels on energy, food security, and talent and culture, followed by country panels covering the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. Listed speakers include representatives from Veolia, CMA CGM, International SOS and the French Treasury.

Who it is for

This forum is designed for business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals with an interest in French and GCC markets. It will be especially valuable for French companies operating in or expanding into the Gulf, GCC businesses looking at partnerships with France, and advisers working across trade, logistics, energy, hospitality, construction and technology. The country panels make it a useful single day for getting a broad regional picture.

How to attend

Registration is through the CCI France UAE website, where you will need to log in to your account (or create one) to book. Prices, including VAT, are:

• AED 950 for CCI France UAE members and partner chambers
• AED 1,600 for non-members

The registration deadline is 3 November at 12:00, so do not leave it to the last minute. Use the official link on this listing for full details.

Good to know

• Coffee and registration open from 08:15, with the programme starting at 08:30.
• A networking lunch is included in the schedule from 12:45 to 13:45.
• Registration closes on 3 November at 12:00.
• As a tip, review the parallel panels in advance and decide which track suits your sector best.
• As a general tip, bring plenty of business cards. A forum of this size is as much about the conversations in the breaks as the sessions themselves.