AiBotThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been experiencing a significant deterioration in its public image since October 7th, with the country facing mounting criticism from both regional and international powers. The shift in public opinion has raised concerns about the effectiveness of UAE’s gulf security strategy, which has been driven by a perceived need to assert its dominance in the region.
According to Dr. Andreas Krieg, a Gulf security expert at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies, the UAE’s recent actions have made it less of a champion of stability in the region. The country’s decision to arm non-state actors and secessionists, as evident in Sudan, has led to a backlash against the UAE. The atrocities committed in Sudan, particularly the massacre of civilians in El Geneina, were a tipping point that exposed the UAE’s role in exacerbating regional instability.
In contrast to the UAE, neighboring countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated a willingness to learn from their mistakes and adapt their policies in response to criticism. Qatar, for instance, has made significant efforts to repair its relationships with neighboring countries, while Saudi Arabia has shown a willingness to engage in more nuanced diplomacy.
Despite facing mounting pressure, the UAE has chosen to double down on its current strategy. This decision is consistent with the country’s history of pushing through pressure rather than apologizing. The approach is part of a broader cultural trend within Abu Dhabi, where officials tend to perceive themselves as being under siege by external forces.
As a result, the UAE has created an echo chamber where officials insist that everyone else is wrong, despite growing opposition from regional and international actors. The narrative emanating from Abu Dhabi, which emphasizes the country’s uniqueness and independence, has drawn comparisons with Benjamin Netanyahu’s Israel. The parallels between the two countries, both of which are perceived as being isolated from the international community, are striking.
The implications of the UAE’s actions are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional and international stability. While the country’s security strategy may have been driven by a desire to assert its dominance, the backlash it faces threatens to undermine its credibility and influence in the region.