France open to UAE investments in nuclear industry and AI, says minister

France is open to the United Arab Emirates investing in its nuclear power and artificial intelligence industries, its finance minister said on Tuesday, ahead of signing a strategic partnership with the Gulf state on AI.

Finance Minister Bruno le Maire told reporters in Abu Dhabi that he would have discussions in the UAE to see whether the Gulf state was interested in investing in France's nuclear industry.

He said there were many possibilities for how the UAE could invest, including in private companies such as nuclear fuel specialist Orano, which is majority owned by the government.

"We are open to that kind of cooperation," he said.

France also would welcome Emirati investments in artificial intelligence, he said, adding that Paris wanted to work closely with Abu Dhabi on semiconductors and computer chip capabilities.

Le Maire was due to hold talks with Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi government fund Mubadala and Chairman of the UAE's state nuclear energy company, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp.

He was also scheduled to separately meet with Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chief Executive of Adnoc.

The French finance minister was in Abu Dhabi to sign a strategic partnership with the UAE on artificial intelligence.

Le Maire said France was also willing to provide the UAE with assistance if the Gulf state decides to expand its own nuclear power industry.

"If there is any possibility to extend the cooperation to the UAE on the nuclear field, we stand ready for that," he said.

Reuters