The recent collaboration between the UAE and France marks a significant step forward in their joint efforts towards sustainable energy practices, particularly in the realms of hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). A delegation from the UAE, headed by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, conducted a three-day visit to France aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring innovative solutions for energy transition. This initiative forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance international collaborations around sustainable development and energy security.
During the visit, representatives from key UAE ministries and organisations, including the Ministry of Investment, Emirates, and Masdar, delved into discussions surrounding the latest advancements in SAF regulations, hydrogen technologies, and nuclear innovations. Eng. Al Olama highlighted the mutual benefits derived from these discussions, stating that both nations are committed to fostering long-term cooperation in meeting decarbonisation targets. This partnership is particularly significant as both countries aim to lead the charge in creating sustainable energy systems that address contemporary challenges.
The delegation’s itinerary was densely packed with insightful engagements. They began their stay in Paris with a closed meeting at MEDEF International, where they connected with representatives from prominent French businesses. This initial gathering set the stage for deeper exchanges about ongoing cooperation projects and potential areas of enhancement. They explored national hydrogen strategies from both countries, with presentations from French energy giants such as EDF Renouvelables and Engie, illustrating the depth of expertise available in France.
An essential aspect of the talks was the emphasis on nuclear energy technologies. The UAE delegation received a comprehensive briefing on France’s renowned nuclear value chain, which included discussions on recent advancements in small modular reactors and nuclear fuel management. This not only broadened their understanding of nuclear technologies but also reinforced the notion that nuclear energy could play a crucial role in complementing renewable energy sources.
The agenda also allowed the UAE delegation to visit various high-tech facilities, including Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub, where they were introduced to AI-driven solutions for energy management. This was supplemented by a visit to research labs belonging to Air Liquide, further underlining the significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability.
In terms of clean aviation, the discussions aligned with a larger context in which global leaders are grappling with sustainability in air travel. While the UAE’s national strategy focusses on enhancing its reliance on SAF, recent assessments show a tempered outlook on hydrogen-powered aviation. Projections have downgraded the expected contributions of hydrogen aircraft to net emissions reductions by 2050, raising concerns over the viability of transitioning to alternative fuels quickly enough to meet ambitious climate targets.
The collaboration between the UAE and France also aims to further the development of a comprehensive clean hydrogen supply chain, an ambition recently echoed in agreements signed by Masdar with European entities. These agreements emphasise the potential for exporting green hydrogen from Abu Dhabi, aiming to support various industries, including aviation.
Eng. Al Olama concluded his visit with optimism, portraying France as a pivotal partner in the UAE’s clean energy transition. He underscored the essential nature of strategic partnerships in realising the ambitious goals set forth in both nations’ sustainable agendas. As these discussions transition from ideas to concrete projects, the synergy between the UAE and France is poised to contribute significantly to global efforts in tackling climate change.
The convergence of sustainable aviation fuel innovation, hydrogen technology, and nuclear energy collaboration underscores a promising future. As countries strive towards decarbonisation, the UAE and France are setting the standard for international cooperation in sustainable energy development, crafting tangible solutions for future generations.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-and-france-strengthen-cooperation-in-hydrogen-sustainable-aviation-fuel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uae-and-france-strengthen-cooperation-in-hydrogen-sustainable-aviation-fuel – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-and-france-strengthen-cooperation-in-hydrogen-sustainable-aviation-fuel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uae-and-france-strengthen-cooperation-in-hydrogen-sustainable-aviation-fuel – The UAE and France have enhanced their collaboration through a three-day visit by a UAE delegation to France, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and decarbonisation strategies. Led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, the delegation aimed to identify best practices and strengthen bilateral cooperation to advance national sustainability objectives. The discussions included sharing national hydrogen strategies and exploring innovative solutions to pressing energy challenges.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/masdar-signs-agreement-to-explore-exporting-green-hydrogen-from-abu-dhabi-to-europe-301721410.html – Masdar, a leading clean energy company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with four Dutch companies to develop a green hydrogen supply chain between Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam. The initiative aims to support Dutch and European markets by exporting green hydrogen, which can be utilised for sustainable aviation fuel, steelmaking, shipping, and other applications. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/masdar-signs-agreement-to-explore-exporting-green-hydrogen-from-abu-dhabi-to-europe-301721410.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-uae-and-france-agree-to-form-bilateral-partnership-to-focus-on-the-decarbonization-of-hard-to-abate-hta-industries-301734599.html – The UAE and France have agreed to launch a bilateral program to accelerate clean energy development, focusing on decarbonising hard-to-abate industries, including clean hydrogen solutions for mobility. The initiative aims to identify and finance projects that reduce the carbon footprint of economic sectors, leveraging the expertise and financing capabilities of both countries. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-uae-and-france-agree-to-form-bilateral-partnership-to-focus-on-the-decarbonization-of-hard-to-abate-hta-industries-301734599.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/masdar-airbus-to-support-development-of-global-sustainable-aviation-fuel-market – Masdar has signed an agreement with Airbus to support the development and growth of the global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market. The collaboration focuses on SAF, green hydrogen, and direct air capture technologies, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions in global air transportation. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/masdar-airbus-to-support-development-of-global-sustainable-aviation-fuel-market?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.ft.com/content/12490140-dd6d-4191-9495-a0dadb68874c – Airbus has postponed its plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035, citing challenges in developing the necessary hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain. The delay reflects the broader difficulties in achieving net-zero emissions in the aviation industry, with progress slower than anticipated, especially regarding renewable energy-sourced hydrogen. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/12490140-dd6d-4191-9495-a0dadb68874c?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.ft.com/content/54934cb4-4fdc-43af-bc68-5ea12f78bf27 – European airlines have significantly reduced their expectations for hydrogen-powered aircraft, with projections indicating that such planes will contribute only 6% to net emissions reductions by 2050, down from 20% estimated in 2021. The high costs associated with transitioning to sustainable aviation fuels and the slow adoption of hydrogen aircraft are key factors in this revision. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/54934cb4-4fdc-43af-bc68-5ea12f78bf27?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports on a recent three-day visit by a UAE delegation to France, dated 29 May 2025. This aligns with the publication date of the article, indicating freshness. However, similar collaborations between the UAE and France in the fields of hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel have been reported earlier, such as the bilateral partnership announced on 31 January 2023. ([masdar.ae](https://masdar.ae/en/news/newsroom/the-uae-and-france-agree-to-form-bilateral-partnership?utm_source=openai)) This earlier report may suggest that the current article is building upon previously established information.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Eng. Sharif Al Olama, undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. A search for these specific quotes did not yield earlier instances, suggesting they may be original to this report. However, without access to the full text of the earlier reports, it’s challenging to confirm the originality of the quotes definitively.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The article is published on Economy Middle East, a regional news outlet. While it provides detailed coverage of the UAE-France collaboration, the outlet’s reputation and editorial standards are not widely known, which may affect the perceived reliability of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The reported collaboration between the UAE and France in hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel aligns with previous initiatives, such as the bilateral partnership announced on 31 January 2023. ([masdar.ae](https://masdar.ae/en/news/newsroom/the-uae-and-france-agree-to-form-bilateral-partnership?utm_source=openai)) The involvement of key UAE ministries and organizations, including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Masdar, adds credibility to the narrative. However, the lack of coverage by other reputable outlets and the reliance on a single source may raise questions about the comprehensiveness of the reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article provides a timely report on the UAE-France collaboration in hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel, with direct quotes from UAE officials suggesting originality. However, the reliance on a single, lesser-known source and the absence of corroboration from other reputable outlets warrant further verification. The earlier announcement of a similar partnership in January 2023 indicates that the current report may be building upon previously established information. Therefore, while the narrative appears plausible, the overall assessment remains open pending additional verification.
