The UAE is rethinking its approach to foreign affairs without bearing grudges
In light of the conflict with Iran, the Emirates is ‘recalibrating’ its relationships with nations across the world.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis is prompting the UAE to reassess the partnerships on which its security and prosperity depend. Speaking to Monocle Radio at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, the minister of state at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describes “a recalibration” that spans from Germany to the Pacific. As conflict continues across the region, she also leaves the door open to rebuilding trust with Iran, while insisting that the UAE will not forget what it has endured.
Has the ongoing conflict with Iran prompted a reappraisal of your tactics?
The UAE’s foreign policy is always open to dialogue, discussion and calls for de-escalation. Yet there has been a recalibration of how we view our common strategic partnerships.
I arrived from Germany a few days ago, where the UAE’s president [Mohamed bin Zayed] had meetings with prominent CEOs and leaders. The UAE and Germany have a strategic relationship, with partnerships in defence, security, technology and business – and a commitment of more than €40bn.
This recalibration is a model that we’re working on. We’re looking at what we can do better in technology, education, sustainability and culture. Defence is key. The UAE is not just buying defence – it is also selling its defence. Edge Group (the UAE’s defence manufacturer) will have an office in France to sell UAE-made defence technology across Europe.
Do recent events raise questions about the US as a reliable partner?
The UAE is a partner with every nation that wants to build bridges. It’s a polarised world with many camps: a zero-sum game that we don’t want to be part of. We want to be part of a world that has partnerships and strategic alliances.
The US has been and remains a very strategic ally and partner for the UAE in defence and security and, beyond that, in technology and investment.
I’ll focus on the formula. If the formula is prosperity – in projects, investment, technology, defence, culture or anything that will benefit the UAE through strengthening its partnerships – then that will be our priority.
You have also been visiting the Pacific islands. What takes UAE diplomacy so far from home?
We were in the region to attend the Pacific Forum in Palau. We went to Timor-Leste, Palau and then Fiji. I work with the Pacific islands portfolio. These islands are filled with dreams, ambitions and a sense of responsibility – [even if people often] see them as places to have a good time. It’s really important to look at the common values, initiatives and projects that our nations can work on together.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis and the recent attacks in the Middle East have not only affected us in the UAE but have also had an impact on the distant islands of the Pacific and the Caribbean, raising their prices. How can we work together on these issues?
Could Iran eventually become one of the UAE’s partners?
Iran is our neighbour. We have maintained trade relations and are home to a large community of Iranians. What happened is unfortunate and will require us to rebuild trust, which is not easy but it’s essential. You can’t just stop having dialogue with a country that’s less than 100km away. I believe that the leadership here is prioritising the long-term goal of a stable region.
We want to live in a world where there are no disputes, no militias right and left, no drones flying over your head. This country has been building its reputation and credibility for the past 50-plus years, not only for the Emiratis but also for the 200-plus nationalities found here.
How close are the UAE and Iran to rebuilding that trust?
The UAE is always open to de-escalation and partnership building. If we shut the door to dialogue with another nation, we would not be taking the steps in the right direction – especially when Iran is our neighbour.
But you can’t ignore what we went through. It’s something that we can never forget, that will be entrenched in the memory of all who lived in the UAE. The solidarity has been overwhelming – in a good way. We will continue to keep that window of dialogue open because if you want to build trust, you need to talk.
Will Gulf states have to get used to Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz?
Any strait is international waters and we need to ensure that we solidify this point. It’s international law, maritime law and the order of the world. We will continue to discuss this because you don’t want to set a precedent in the Strait of Hormuz that others would follow.
