Macron's Gulf Tour: A Diplomatic Offensive to Counter Domestic Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent three-day tour of five Gulf states showcased a notable evolution in his demeanor, shifting from a somber arrival in the UAE to a more upbeat and combative stance in Doha. Upon landing at Abu Dhabi airport on Monday, Mr. Macron appeared stern, walking past the Emirati national guard with a furrowed brow and deliberate steps alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohamed. The following day, however, his arrival in Doha, heralded by flanking Rafale jets, was marked by a warm handshake with Qatar's ambassador to France, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim. Mr. Macron greeted the ambassador with a smile and a familiar wink to the observing journalists, a moment that, while carefully orchestrated, reflected a significant shift in tone between his departure from Abu Dhabi and his arrival in Doha.

This change in demeanor coincided with the announcement of a key outcome from his Gulf visit, which also included stops in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. France secured substantial in-kind compensation for its role as a security ally to the Gulf states, equivalent to 10 percent of French consumption. This compensation came in the form of LNG shipments from Qatar and diesel sales from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, as confirmed by his advisors.

Speaking to reporters before departing Doha on Wednesday, Mr. Macron emphasized the importance of demonstrating reliability during challenging times to enhance visibility. He stated, "When you have shown that you are there during difficult times, it is easier to gain visibility." These energy announcements were strategically aimed at a domestic audience facing violent social unrest, partly exacerbated by high energy prices and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. Macron noted, "I’ve had partners who understood that, as clients – as consumers – we have a need for this." The Gulf tour provided Mr. Macron with a crucial platform to regain control of the domestic narrative, with the President framing these energy deals as a significant political victory.

Defense cooperation was also a central theme, with an "important inter-governmental agreement" signed with the UAE for the joint development of the next generation of Dassault Rafale jets, alongside deals with Qatar to upgrade its existing Rafale fleet. The final leg of the tour, to Saudi Arabia, was kept confidential until after his departure from Doha, likely due to security concerns following Houthi attacks on Riyadh's airport and critical infrastructure. This communication strategy mirrored the approach taken during Mr. Macron's July visit to Syria.

A meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh resulted in further commitments for diesel supply to France for "as many months as necessary," according to the Elysee Palace. Earlier, Mr. Macron's advisors had downplayed questions regarding Saudi Arabia's inclusion in the tour, citing Prince Mohammed's visit to Paris in August. However, the tour's primary objective was to secure oil and gas guarantees and expedite investment in alternative export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Before departing for Riyadh, Mr. Macron addressed the press in Doha, deflecting questions about a potential visit to Saudi Arabia. He did, however, highlight French military support to the kingdom, particularly in response to a question about the UK's planned dispatch of Typhoon jets. Mr. Macron stated, "I think it is important for talks with the Houthis to resume and, obviously, for tensions to ease, because that would contribute to the same objective." He detailed French assistance in rehabilitating and securing a critical pipeline from the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea, which had been targeted by Houthi strikes, noting that French personnel and capabilities had been deployed for eight days. This confirmed French military support in Saudi Arabia since October 13, following Mr. Macron's earlier announcement on September 24 about dispatching soldiers, radars, and air defense systems to protect the strategic Red Sea port of Yanbu. France had previously sent air defense systems to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar in March.

Despite strong ties with Gulf states, France's influence over ongoing Iran-US negotiations remains limited. When questioned by a Qatari broadcaster about a mediation proposal for the meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim, Mr. Macron deferred, instead referencing the stalled French-British initiative for an international naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, which requires a political solution to a conflict from which Europeans have been excluded. He indicated that discussions with Doha covered "details and developments extensively" and that a response, particularly from Iran, was anticipated in the coming days.

France, facing a mounting debt crisis, prioritizes maintaining its international image. Unlike many European presidents who travel with a single aircraft, Mr. Macron utilized three planes for his delegation and accompanying journalists. In Doha, Mr. Macron addressed reporters, dedicating the initial part of the Q&A to Middle Eastern affairs before shifting focus to the domestic crisis in France. He had not publicly commented on the recent protests until his departure for Kuwait. He strongly criticized US President Donald Trump's remarks blaming migrants for the protests, calling them "stupid" and suggesting that leaders campaigning on issues in France were doing so "on our back." Mr. Macron also alluded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relationship with France has been strained since Paris recognized Palestinian statehood.

This tour underscored the growing role of foreign policy in French politics. Whether the French public will appreciate Mr. Macron's diplomatic efforts remains to be seen, especially as critics accused him of appearing disconnected from the worsening domestic situation. Mr. Macron, however, expressed no regrets, asserting, "What we are doing here is important for our citizens, so I decided to maintain it." Further protests were planned for Saturday.