Abu dhabi: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) will host the France-UAE Forum for Research and Innovation under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space. The forum is scheduled to take place from 2-3 February 2026 at the SUAD campus in the capital.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum is co-organised by the Embassy of France in the UAE and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. It is held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, the Technology Innovation Institute, and the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology. The event aims to co-design the next phase of artificial intelligence transformation in higher education.
The high-level forum will gather 100 leading researchers, universities, research centers, startups, tech companies, and major innovation actors from France and the UAE. It will focus on three strategic domains: artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and space. The forum's objective is to advance research in these domains, modernize business and academic models, and institutionalize cross-sector collaboration among higher education institutions, industry, and government.
The event will set the stage for in-depth technical sessions where subject-matter experts can explore opportunities for high-impact, translational, and applied research collaborations. These collaborations will be aligned with industrial needs and national priorities, ensuring tangible outcomes that drive innovation and economic growth.
Ibrahim Fikri, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Regulation and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized the strong strategic ties between the UAE and France. He highlighted the importance of such events and collaborations in advancing the education ecosystem and producing talent capable of meeting future labor market needs.
The forum also seeks to emphasize active industry engagement, encouraging meaningful collaborations between universities and the private sector. By involving academia and industry from other countries, the event aims to create a global platform for knowledge exchange and innovation.
Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, stated that the forum reaffirms SUAD's role as a hub connecting French and Emirati research and innovation ecosystems. The event embodies the university's mission to foster high-impact research cooperation and strengthen scientific and diplomatic ties between France and the UAE.
The forum reflects French national priorities in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and space, promoting research excellence and talent development. The agenda includes panel presentations, discussions, lectures, networking opportunities, and cultural activities, open to students, researchers, and faculty members from UAE-based universities.