With participation from 20 UAE business incubators and SMEs
 

UAE participates in VivaTech 2026 in France to support Emirati startup expansion and strengthen global partnerships in technology, innovation, and the new economy

H.E. Bin Touq highlights UAE’s resilient, competitive economy driven by diversification, entrepreneurship & modern technology, strengthening its position as a global new economy hub.

 The UAE participated in the VivaTech 2026 entrepreneurship and advanced technology exhibition held in Paris, France, from June 17 to 20 under the theme ‘Artificial intelligence: Impact not Illusion.’ H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, headed the UAE delegation at the event.

The participation aims to bolster the UAE’s presence in the global innovation ecosystem and consolidate its position as a magnet for startups and investments in new economy sectors. It also contributes to empowering Emirati startups and SMEs to expand, build international partnerships, and explore cooperation avenues in advanced technology and AI.

UAE-France economic partnership focuses on future sectors

H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that the UAE and France share robust economic relations and a solid strategic partnership across various vital sectors. Both nations have adopted a shared vision focusing on new economic sectors and the role of technology and AI in building a sustainable, knowledge- and innovation-driven future economy.

He further stated that economic relations between the two countries are experiencing continued growth, with the UAE currently being home to 11,355 French companies. These businesses contribute to the nation's economic diversification and enhance opportunities across various economic activities, including tourism, technology, AI, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, defense, luxury, services, and infrastructure.

H.E. said: "The UAE’s participation in VivaTech 2026 is an opportunity to bolster the presence of Emirati companies in the global technology landscape and open new channels of cooperation with investors, tech institutions, and innovation pioneers. These efforts help consolidate the nation’s position as a global hub for the new economy and entrepreneurship."

He added: "We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs to explore expansion and growth opportunities and build qualitative partnerships that contribute to technology and knowledge transfer. This enhances the competitiveness of our national companies in international markets, in line with the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision."

H.E. Bin Touq highlights UAE’s future economy vision at VivaTech 2026

H.E. Bin Touq participated in a keynote panel discussion at the event titled 'The New Growth Playbook', alongside H.E. Piyush Goyal, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, and H.E. Bruno Le Maire, former French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. The session explored the transformations shaping the global economy amid the accelerated adoption of AI and the rise of new economic models driven by innovation and advanced technology.

During the session, H.E. highlighted the UAE’s vision of building a resilient and competitive future economic model based on diversification, fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, empowering startups, and leveraging modern technologies as a key driver for sustainable economic growth, thus elevating the country's status as a global hub for the new economy.

Diverse Emirati presence in technology sectors

The UAE delegation included representatives from approximately 20 business incubators and entities focused on entrepreneurship and SME development. These include Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem Hub71, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Emirates Entrepreneurship Association (EEA), Masdar City, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and the UAE Space Agency.

The list of participating Emirati startups and SMEs featured 10 companies operating across various new economy sectors, notably technology, modern financial services, foodtech, advanced agricultural solutions, and sustainable infrastructure. These included Zest Equity, Fundbot, Jadwelny, Sysbus Technology, Lune, Seafood Souq, Proprio, Manhat, eVoost AI, and Water Life Digital.

The participating companies showcased advanced innovative services reflecting the diversity of the UAE's technology sector. These include digital solutions connecting startups with investors, automated financing, corporate financial services, AI-powered POS and payment platforms for the retail and F&B sectors, and smart solutions for personalizing banking services and enhancing customer experiences.

In addition, UAE companies showcased integrated platforms for digital food supply chain management and sustainable trade, alongside platforms supporting corporate expansion and market entry. Additionally, the exhibition highlighted advanced software applications, integrated digital solutions, and sustainable agritech - such as innovative, electricity-free irrigation systems. Advanced AI solutions for real estate and infrastructure were also presented, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, driving business growth, and accelerating global expansion.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the delegation organized an economic event in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in France. The initiative connected Emirati startups with French and international investors and corporations, fostering networking, building economic partnerships, and paving the way for future cooperation.

VivaTech: A global platform for tech startups

VivaTech is a premier global event dedicated to technology and startups, which has evolved into an international platform that brings together tech leaders, investors, and decision-makers worldwide. Celebrating its tenth anniversary since its inception in 2016, the exhibition attracts approximately 180,000 visitors, over 14,000 startups, and 3,600 investors from more than 40 countries, spearheading global innovation and the digital economy. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s participation marks its third consecutive one, underpinning its ongoing efforts to support the growth of Emirati startups and elevate their presence on international platforms.