“E-Fusion” +50 Companies from the UAE and France Now Ready to Invest in the Local Nuclear Industry

In the framework of E-fusion live event, the UAE-France Industrial Supply Chain Initiative for Nuclear was held virtually and gathered more than 50 companies from France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the opportunities to support the local nuclear industry , and hear testimonials from local companies on the keys to building successful partnerships between the UAE and French companies. 

Aimed at bringing together the French nuclear supply chain and Emirati companies to support the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, this E-Fusion edition covered discussions around a major challenge: “how to build a long-term strategic partnership in the UAE”. the different panel sessions included feedback and advice from French and Emirati industrial companies, updates on  opportunities at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant  presented by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), financial support options, presented by AD Investment Office and French industrial  support initiatives, presented by the French Nuclear Cluster (GIFEN) and Business France.

Launched in 2019, E-Fusion is an initiative of ENEC and GIFEN. Organized by Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French Economy, E-fusion brings together the best local suppliers in the UAE along with French companies having a recognized experience in the nuclear energy industry. 

One of the key components of the strategy for developing the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is to create a sustainable local supply chain for the Barakah Plant. Following the successful launch edition in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the 2nd edition held virtually in June 2020 welcomed 100 attendees. This last edition gathered 35 companies from 

France and a further 15 from the UAE. During  the event, participants pursued discussions in order to forge partnerships and contribute to the development of the nuclear local supply chain.

 “The UAE, and more broadly the Middle East, are of strategic importance for the French Nuclear Industry Association (GIFEN). We are proud to be a main contributor, bringing our knowldege and long-term expertise in the nuclear field, to support the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation  and Nawah Energy Company for the success of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project ", commented Hervé Maillart, Head Coordinator for the French nuclear industry. 

The historic ties between the UAE and France have served as a strong base for bilateral cooperation in many domains, and are particularly prevalent in the nuclear energy sector. The strong expertise of the French nuclear industry has the will to strengthen business relationships between the Emirati and French organizations.

With an introduction and moderation by Foued Kefif - Head of Department Industry & Cleantech at Business France UAE, the panel highlighted  the following topics: 

• How to Invest in Abu Dhabi by Carmen Isabella James - Financial Services & ICT Sector Lead at Abu Dhabi Investment Office;
• COVID-19 response of the French Nuclear Industry, by Hervé Maillart - Head Coordinator of the French Nuclear Industry at GIFEN;
• Update about the opportunities at the Barakah Plant, by Yassine Sajid – Senior Industrial Development Specialist from ENEC; 
• Opportunities to support the Nuclear Industry, by Abdulhamid Nassouri & Franck Ladegaillerie at ENSS; 
• Building a strong French-Emirati partnership by Cyrille Molina CEO of Oakridge & Ziad Al Askari CEO of UTS; 
• Supporting French companies in the UAE  by Olaf Grimm – General Manager at Mazrui;
• And testimonials of French companies in the UAE by Mohamed el Saedy – Commercial Director at  Cerap.