President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with French troops and to discuss bilateral ties with the Gulf country.Macron is due to meet with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan to discuss “strengthening the strategic partnership” between the two countries, according to the French presidency, which stressed their cooperation on security and defense.For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our dedicated page.The French president traditionally celebrates the end-of-year holidays with troops deployed abroad, of whom there are more than 900 in the UAE.Macron will speak to them later Sunday, before sharing a Christmas meal prepared by the Elysee’s chefs.France cooperates with the UAE on areas including artificial intelligence and trade, and now wants to secure the Gulf state’s support in its war on drug trafficking.The French troops deployed in the UAE take part in anti-drug trafficking patrols at sea.They are also