Macron visits Abu Dhabi, weapons deal signed

France announced the signing of a 16 billion-euro armaments mega-contract on Friday for the sale of 80 of its Rafale warplanes to the United Arab Emirates.

It came while French President Emmanuel Macron is in the Emirates on the first stop of a two-day visit to the Persian Gulf. The French Defense Ministry said the deal was France's largest-ever weapons contract for export.

There was no immediate confirmation of the deal from Emirati officials. The CEOs of manufacturer Dassault Aviation and the Tawazun Economic Council were seen signing an agreement in Abu Dhabi before Macron and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two countries' respective finance and culture ministers were also seen finalizing bilateral deals. The deal offers a shot in the arm for France's defense industry after the collapse of a $66 billion contract for Australia to buy 12 French submarines.