French president Nicolas Sarkozy is opening a French military base in the United Arab Emirates today. It is the first permanent French base in the Gulf region.

The so-called "peace camp" on the banks of the Strait of Hormuz accommodates 500 troops. It contains a navy and air force base and a training camp.

President Sarkozy had already announced that France wanted to play an important role in the stability of the region. Analysts say France is also hoping to pick up lucrative defence contracts and agreements on nuclear cooperation. France is one of the UAE's main arms suppliers.