French nationals have a long-established presence in UAE business, and the company formation process itself is identical to any other nationality's.
Document authentication from France
France is a confirmed member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so French-issued documents generally need a single apostille certificate rather than the fuller multi-step embassy attestation chain — a comparatively streamlined process, though still worth planning into your formation timeline.
French tax residency considerations
Moving your business activity to the UAE does not automatically end French tax residency — France applies its own residency tests based on habitual home, main professional activity, and centre-of-economic-interests factors, independent of where your company is incorporated. If you plan to spend substantial time in the UAE while running a UAE company, get French-specific tax advice on your residency position.
Getting the setup itself right
The core formation decision — mainland or a specific free zone — works the same way as for any nationality. This site's Free Zone vs Mainland Tool and Business Setup Cost Calculator apply directly; the main French-specific homework is the apostille process and your own French tax residency position.