World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Macron begins Gulf tour to secure oil and diesel supplies
French President Emmanuel Macron began a Gulf tour on Monday, October 19, visiting Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
He is seeking commitments on oil and diesel supplies to help ease pressure on fuel prices in France.
The trip comes after violent protests over rising living costs in France, where thousands of people were arrested.
Since February, the US-Iran war has disrupted energy exports and affected Gulf countries.
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Gulf oil, has added to the pressure on supplies.
Macron will discuss safer shipping and alternative routes with Gulf leaders, as well as defence cooperation and regional stability.
The tour is scheduled to run through October 21, with talks also covering economic ties and, in the UAE, new technologies including AI.
Emmanuel Macron began a tour of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar on October 19 to discuss energy security.
France aims to secure oil and diesel supplies and diversify energy transport routes amid disruption to exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The tour also includes talks on regional stability, defence and security partnerships, with discussions in the UAE covering new technologies such as AI.
The trip comes after violent protests in France linked to rising living costs.
- Who
- French President Emmanuel Macron.
- What
- He is visiting four Gulf countries to discuss energy security, regional stability and defence partnerships.
- When
- October 19 to 21, 2026.
- Where
- Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
- Why
- To secure and diversify energy supplies and transport routes, and discuss regional stability and security.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US-Iran war began, disrupting energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
G7 countries agreed to draw up to 100 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves.
Macron began his Gulf tour in Kuwait.
Macron was scheduled to visit the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar as well as Kuwait.
- Countries
- Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar
- Tour dates
- October 19–21, 2026
- Energy supplies
- Oil and diesel
- Strategic reserves
- G7 countries agreed to draw up to 100 million barrels of oil
- UAE talks
- Defence, security and new technologies, including AI
5 sources
Énergie, défense, IA… Quel est le programme d’Emmanuel Macron dans le Golfe après un week-end marqué par des violences ?
Macron starts Gulf tour after protests and violence in France
Emmanuel Macron au Moyen-Orient avec des industriels français
Macron to visit UAE on Gulf tour
What people are saying
The goal is to secure a certain number of commitments
promote a return to stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
Discussions will also focus on securing and diversifying our energy supplies and their transport routes, with the aim of limiting the impact of the energy crisis on the daily lives of French people.