The UAE’s hosting of Cop28 will place the country “at the very centre of the world stage”, the French ambassador to the Emirates has said.
Nicolas Niemtchinow said the UAE was potentially in a unique position to act as a bridge “between the north and south” of the world at the crucial talks and he was optimistic the November 30 to December 12 summit to tackle the climate emergency would succeed.
He added that France fully supports the UAE's efforts at such an “extremely important” moment for the future of the planet.
Speaking to The National to mark Bastille Day, the French national holiday that falls on Friday, Mr Niemtchinow said keeping the global warming target of 1.5°C alive and scaling up climate finance was important. He also rejected criticism from some sectors around the summit.
We should do our best for our children. That’s why this Cop is so important
Nicolas Niemtchinow,
French ambassador to the UAE
“It is always very easy to criticise,” said Mr Niemtchinow. “It is more difficult to do. Let’s work together and then we will see.”
The envoy said the UAE presidency had a strong role during the talks to try to catalyse and crystallise an agreement and it was not easy.
“But we should do our best for our children. That’s why this Cop is so important. I am optimistic [and] we wish our UAE friends all the success to achieve a breakthrough in the fight against climate change.”
Mr Niemtchinow, who is six months into the job, said it has been a “whirlwind” of meetings, visits and high-level engagements, but that he had already noted the vibrancy of the bilateral relationship between France and the UAE.
“This is [a] relationship blossoming in the present as a golden age and very much looking to the future [in sectors such as] clean energy, space and public health, which is a crucial sector since Covid-19,” said Mr Niemtchinow. “It is very dynamic and substantial.”
Ties between France and the UAE are warm and deep-rooted. The UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan made a historic visit to France in 1975, accompanied by a young Sheikh Mohamed.
President Sheikh Mohamed travelled to France in 2022 for his first state visit as leader. He made another trip in 2023, while French President Emmanuel Macron has also made several visits to the UAE including in 2022 to express his condolences after the death of the late president Sheikh Khalifa.
Co-operation extends to many areas. The French operate several military bases in the UAE; Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi opened doors in 2006; while one of the most visible expressions of the relationship is the presence of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
Mutual support
Today the French community in the UAE stands at around 30,000 people and is the largest in the region. Bilateral trade reached almost €6.9 billion in 2022 compared with less than €5bn before the Covid-19 pandemic. About 600 French companies operate in the UAE.
The envoy said both countries can “rely on each other when times are difficult”, pointing to French support for the UAE in 2022 when the Emirates was attacked.
“We were there. We applied the security agreement and were directly involved in the protection of the country,” he said.
“And when France had some difficulties some days ago, we had the public support of the Emirati government,” said Mr Niemtchinow, referring to the tensions in France.
France has banned the sale, possession and transport of fireworks during the July 14 holiday weekend, following unrest sparked by the police killing of a teenager. Mr Niemtchinow said he was still optimistic that France could get through such challenging times.
“We live in very difficult times,” he said. “Everywhere history is again [on the] move. Some even say the international order is crumbling or even collapsing. I believe order is better than chaos.
“I believe that peace is better than war and conflict and tolerance is more conducive to social or political cohesion than blind fanaticism, violence or disorder. Based on that conviction, I’m quite confident in the ability of France to face the current problems we have. That is my answer in a personal way.”
Mr Niemtchinow studied at the Ecole Nationale d’Administration and joined the French foreign service in 1995.
He then worked in Moscow during what he calls an “interesting time”; served as permanent representative of France to the UN; and then from 2017 to 2022 was “strategy director” at the French Ministry of Defence before starting as ambassador to the UAE in January.
Aside from Cop28, which is a big priority this year, Mr Niemtchinow is keen to increase co-operation across economy, science, health, culture and “joint efforts to promote peace, security and stability in this region and all across the world”.
“This relationship is truly exceptional,” he said. “We have reached a type of golden age because it is consistent, deeply rooted in history and extraordinarily diversified from culture to economics to science.”
In the French Embassy, pictures of former ambassadors dating back to the formation of the UAE line the walls – a testament to the work that has gone before.
“I will do my very best as French ambassador to live up to this very exciting ambition and mandate,” he said. “We have a lot to do and can achieve great things together.”
Sheikh Zayed's historic 1975 visit to France – in pictures
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
WHAT%20IS%20'JUICE%20JACKING'%3F
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The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Price, base: Dh198,300
Engine: 2.0L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 280hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7L / 100km
The biog
Place of birth: Kalba
Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren
Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken
Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah
Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPOPC%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAmna%20Aijaz%2C%20Haroon%20Tahir%20and%20Arafat%20Ali%20Khan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eart%20and%20e-commerce%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%20u%3C%2Fstrong%3Endisclosed%20amount%20raised%20through%20Waverider%20Entertainment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
CRICKET%20WORLD%20CUP%20QUALIFIER%2C%20ZIMBABWE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20fixtures%20%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMonday%2C%20June%2019%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ESri%20Lanka%20v%20UAE%2C%20Queen%E2%80%99s%20Sports%20Club%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWednesday%2C%20June%2021%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EOman%20v%20UAE%2C%20Bulawayo%20Athletic%20Club%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFriday%2C%20June%2023%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EScotland%20v%20UAE%2C%20Bulawayo%20Athletic%20Club%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETuesday%2C%20June%2027%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIreland%20v%20UAE%2C%20Bulawayo%20Athletic%20Club%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kandahar%20
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%20turbo%204-cyl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E298hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E452Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETowing%20capacity%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.4-tonne%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPayload%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4WD%20%E2%80%93%20776kg%3B%20Rear-wheel%20drive%20819kg%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrice%3A%20Dh138%2C945%20(XLT)%20Dh193%2C095%20(Wildtrak)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDelivery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20from%20August%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
