PARIS: Strategic resilience emerged as a defining theme on the opening day of Vision Golfe 2026, as French and Gulf policymakers, business leaders, investors and innovators gathered in Paris to explore new avenues for cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.
Held under the theme “From Cooperation to Transformation,” the forum highlighted a shared ambition to move beyond traditional economic ties and build deeper partnerships capable of supporting long-term competitiveness, sustainable growth, and economic sovereignty.
The event opened with remarks from Business France CEO Louis Margueritte, French ministers Roland Lescure and Nicolas Forissier, and keynote addresses by Saudi Vice Minister for Mining Affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer and former French minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Speakers underscored the growing strategic importance of France-GCC cooperation in areas ranging from investment and industrial development to economic sovereignty and long-term growth.
Roland Lescure, French Minister of Economy. (Supplied)
Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and mounting pressure on critical resources, discussions throughout the day focused on how France and Gulf states can strengthen resilience through collaboration in investment, innovation, infrastructure and human capital.
A recurring theme was the growing link between competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Whether discussing critical resources, digital infrastructure, industrial capabilities or supply chains, speakers stressed that economic resilience increasingly depends on reducing vulnerabilities while maintaining strong international partnerships.
The concept of sovereignty extended beyond traditional security concerns to include access to technologies, talent, financing and resilient industrial ecosystems, providing a framework for several of the day’s discussions.
Business France CEO Louis Margueritte. (Supplied)
During a panel titled “Water Security, Decarbonization and Sovereignty: Integrated Strategies for Circular Models Management,” water security emerged as a central pillar of economic strategy.
The discussion examined how water security is increasingly viewed not simply as an environmental or infrastructure challenge, but as a key driver of economic development, industrial growth, food security, and climate resilience.
Panelists included Abdullah bin Tuwaym, chief transactions officer at Saudi Water Partnership Company (Sharakat); Mohammed Al-Zuabi, CEO of Marafiq; Luis de Lope, CEO of SAUR International; and Iheb Triki, co-founder and CEO of Kumulus Water.
Discussions focused on the evolution of public-private partnership models, financing sustainable infrastructure, the role of digital technologies in utility management and the growing importance of circular resource management.
Participants highlighted how GCC countries have transformed water security into a strategic national priority through investments in desalination, wastewater treatment and advanced utility infrastructure. Attention is increasingly shifting toward efficiency, water reuse, decentralized technologies, and stronger public-private collaboration to support long-term resource sovereignty.
The debate reflected a broader recognition among French and Gulf stakeholders that resource security has become an essential component of economic resilience.
If water represented the challenge of scarcity, artificial intelligence was presented as one of the most significant opportunities for future growth.
The panel “AI and Emerging Tech: Building Franco-Gulf Leadership in the Global Innovation Race” explored how both regions can strengthen their positions in an increasingly competitive global technology landscape.
Speakers emphasized that AI is no longer solely an innovation issue but a strategic factor shaping productivity, industrial competitiveness, public services and national technological capabilities.
The discussion highlighted complementary strengths between the two regions. France offers leading research institutions, industrial expertise, and innovation ecosystems, while Gulf countries bring ambitious national strategies, significant investment capacity, and the ability to deploy technologies at scale.
Participants argued that closer cooperation could accelerate innovation, attract talent, and strengthen technological sovereignty as global competition for advanced technologies intensifies.
Resilience also featured prominently during the panel “Strategic Corridors: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience in Global Logistics,” moderated by Ali Itani, head of Arab News France and Japan.
The discussion, which brought together Gerard Mestrallet, special envoy to the French president for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor; Charles-Emmanuel de Beauregard of QNB; Alexandre Joseph of Bahri; and Poul Hestbaek of Folk Maritime Services Company, examined the growing strategic importance of transport and logistics networks.
Recent disruptions to global trade have exposed vulnerabilities across supply chains, prompting governments and businesses to reassess how goods, energy, and critical resources move across regions.
Panelists emphasized that transport corridors, maritime routes, and logistics hubs are increasingly viewed as strategic assets underpinning economic security and competitiveness. Strengthening connectivity between Europe and the Gulf, they argued, will be essential to support future trade, investment, and industrial development.
While technology, infrastructure and resources dominated many discussions, speakers repeatedly stressed that long-term transformation ultimately depends on people.
Education systems, workforce development and vocational training must evolve to meet the demands of rapidly changing economies. Participants highlighted the importance of equipping future generations with skills for emerging industries, while supporting lifelong learning and workforce adaptation.
As both France and Gulf countries pursue ambitious economic diversification agendas, human capital is increasingly viewed as a critical enabler of competitiveness and innovation.
French and Gulf policymakers, business leaders, investors and innovators gathered in Paris to explore new avenues for cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment. (Supplied)
Alongside the conference sessions, a series of business-to-business and business-to-government meetings took place throughout the day, reinforcing the forum’s practical and action-oriented character.
Although discussions ranged from water management and AI to logistics and education, a common thread ran through the first day of Vision Golfe 2026: Future economic competitiveness will depend on stronger partnerships across strategic sectors.
As the forum continues, attention is expected to shift from identifying shared priorities to building projects, investments, and collaborations capable of turning those ambitions into tangible outcomes for both France and the Gulf states.
