As France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries seek to deepen economic ties in an increasingly complex global environment, Vision Golfe 2026 is set to return to Paris on 18-19 June with a clear ambition: transforming strategic dialogue into tangible business opportunities, investments and long-term partnerships.
Organised by Business France under the High Patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, the fourth edition of the forum will bring together ministers, senior government officials, investors, CEOs and business leaders from across the GCC and France at the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Under the theme “From Cooperation to Transformation”, the event aims to accelerate the next phase of France-GCC cooperation at a time when global trade, investment and technology landscapes are undergoing profound change.
Saudi Arabia for Elites (SA-FE) is proud to support Vision Golfe 2026 as a Silver Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation between France and the Gulf region. SA-FE Editor-in-Chief Richard Barnes will also moderate one of the event’s flagship discussions, highlighting the growing importance of culture as both an economic driver and a strategic instrument of international engagement.
The forum takes place against a backdrop of rapidly expanding economic relations between France and the Gulf. According to Business France, trade between France and the GCC reached €24.9 billion in 2025, including €8.2 billion with Saudi Arabia. Trade between France and the United Arab Emirates alone rose by 27 per cent year-on-year to reach €10.8 billion, underlining the strength and momentum of the relationship.
Vision Golfe has evolved into one of the most influential platforms dedicated to France-GCC cooperation. The previous edition attracted more than 1,250 participants and generated over 2,000 targeted B2B meetings, demonstrating the growing appetite for practical, results-oriented engagement between the two regions.
This year’s programme will focus on sectors at the heart of both France’s industrial strategy and the Gulf’s economic diversification ambitions. Artificial intelligence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, smart mobility, sustainable urban development, logistics, food security and critical infrastructure are among the topics expected to dominate discussions.
Among the highlights of the programme will be the roundtable entitled “Culture as Soft Power: Franco-Gulf Synergies in Heritage and Creative Economies”, hosted by Richard Barnes on behalf of SA-FE.
The panel will bring together Nabil Bouhajra, Director of TV5 Monde Maghreb-Middle East; Mohamed A. Al Ayed, Vice-President of Athar Festival; Adam Oubuih, CEO of Atout France; and Jean-Michel Lenoir, CEO of Novelty.
The discussion will explore how culture is increasingly shaping economic development, tourism growth and international influence on both sides of the France-Gulf corridor. Topics are expected to include heritage preservation, destination branding, cultural tourism, festivals and events, media influence, creative industries and the growing role of cultural diplomacy in fostering international partnerships.
The subject is particularly relevant as Gulf countries continue to invest heavily in museums, heritage sites, entertainment, creative industries and cultural tourism as part of ambitious national transformation programmes. At the same time, France remains one of the world’s leading cultural powers, with globally recognised expertise in heritage management, tourism promotion, media and cultural institutions. The session will examine how these complementary strengths can create new opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation.
Beyond individual sectors, Vision Golfe 2026 reflects a broader shift in international economic diplomacy. Increasingly, partnerships are judged not by declarations of intent but by their ability to generate measurable outcomes, projects, investments and jobs. By bringing together senior decision-makers from both regions, the forum aims to convert strategic alignment into concrete action.
…
Read also: Richard Barnes to host pivotal cultural roundtable at Vision Golfe 2026 in Paris
