AiBotIn the aftermath of the Abraham Accords, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been increasingly aligned with its long-time ally, the United States, at the expense of its traditional Arab neutrality. Since the accords were signed in 2020, the UAE has openly sided with Israel, participated in the Yemen conflict, and maintained tensions with Saudi Arabia, while recently escalating hostilities with Iran. This marked departure from the Emirates’ reputation for cautious diplomacy has raised eyebrows among regional observers and experts.
Under the leadership of President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has been pursuing a policy of realignment, cementing its position as a key partner in the US-led regional framework. The country has strengthened its military cooperation with the US, particularly through the establishment of a joint command center to counter terrorist threats. Furthermore, the UAE has played a significant role in the Trump administration’s “Peace to Prosperity” plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, earning the ire of many Arab states.
However, this strategic realignment has come at a steep cost, particularly in terms of regional relationships. The UAE’s participation in the Yemen conflict, alongside Saudi Arabia, has contributed to a humanitarian crisis and drawn the ire of Iran, which has been accused of supplying the Houthis with ballistic missiles. The UAE’s refusal to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict has further strained its relationships with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The recent escalation of hostilities with Iran has brought the UAE’s vulnerability to the forefront, as demonstrated by Iran’s recent attacks on UAE targets. The drone attack on the Abu Dhabi International Airport and oil facilities on January 17, 2022, served as a stark reminder of the UAE’s exposed position on the regional fault lines. The attack highlighted the UAE’s reliance on the US for military protection and its inability to independently defend itself against the aggression of a regional power.
Experts warn that the UAE’s alignment with the US will ultimately prove detrimental to the country’s long-term security and regional influence. By adopting an overtly hostile stance towards its neighbors, the UAE risks being isolated and vulnerable to further aggression. The recent attacks by Iran signal a potential for increased regional hostilities, rendering the UAE’s neutrality and diplomatic efforts increasingly difficult to maintain.
The UAE’s alignment with the US is a calculated move aimed at securing its interests and consolidating its position as a key partner in the region. However, the consequences of this policy are already becoming apparent, as the country finds itself increasingly isolated and vulnerable. As tensions with Iran continue to escalate, the UAE’s strategic realignment will be subjected to further scrutiny, and its very notion of neutrality may prove to be a hollow facade in the face of regional reality.