We are living in a complicated and complex web of power politics where the rise and fall of a group, society or country is usually determined by its foreign policy based on soft power, commercial diplomacy, strong defense, and development. The foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is balanced, moderate and modern. It represents the face of a moderate Muslim country in the world and is “role model” for the rest of the world. Diplomatic relations have now been established with more than 190 countries throughout the world, compared to relations with only three countries when the UAE was first established in 1971.
The UAE’s foreign policy is a dynamic, effective and a successful example for others, thanks to the wise vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE has now established a wide network of strategic relationships and partnerships with so many countries around the world. These relationships have immensely benefited UAE’s national economy, strengthening its presence and position on both regional and international levels.
UAE’s Foreign Policy Principles
Its foreign policy promotes dialogue and coexistence between different civilisations, cultures, religions and peoples based on tolerance and openness, refraining from confrontation, extremism, intolerance, and tendencies. Its foreign policy also cares of the humanitarian dimension, providing support and assistance to people in need, particularly during and after crises, disasters and wars.
Its dynamic foreign policy has changed the rules of the game/engagement in the region as well as world. UAE has succeeded in diverting many incidents of full-fledge war through its rigorous and meaningful diplomatic engagements because war is not a solution and violence always confronts defeat.
Peaceful co-existence, respect for territorial sovereignty and the last but not the least, respect for international law guarantees international harmony and this is the foundation of its foreign policy too.
The UAE is now an active player in promoting effective dialogue, peace, development and cooperation within the region in order to resolve conflicting ground realties. UAE is now a proactive in the region and the Islamic community and rigorously participates in international affairs too. The UAE will continue to enhance and adopt a balanced foreign policy based on mutual respect and cooperation.
UAE’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Aims
The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed At Nahyan praised the achievements of the UAE’s foreign policy, saying the country’s moderate approach in foreign policy has allowed it to achieve a distinctive and respected position internationally, playing an important role in helping with international issues. He also emphasised that the UAE’s successful foreign policy is derived from the leadership of the country, which believes in building and strengthening ties with nations around the world.
Regional Stability
The UAE has major interest in regional stability to encourage and ensure continued trade and commerce activities, foreign direct investment inflows and tourism. Political and economic relations with the US and Europe are the main pillars of its foreign policy.
The UAE is a friend for all. Peace is the basis of its foreign policy. It sincerely contributes its positive role in international development efforts; and helping the poor. Its participation in development and relief efforts around the world is a permanent feature of its diplomacy.
Theories of Foreign Policy and UAE
Following are some general theories of foreign policy which clearly indicate different aspects of human survival, conflict resolution, socio-economic prosperity, national pride, sovereignty and above all rules of meaningful engagements. These foreign policy’s theories also shape a country’s preferences, priorities and policies of peaceful co-existence, dialogue, development and soft power. UAE’s foreign policy is the prime example of socio-economic prosperity, rigorous commercial diplomacy, strong defense, globalization and above all conflict resolution through constant dialogue and diplomacy.
| Realists argue that a nation’s external relations should rest on a foundation of military and economic strength since there is no “referee” in international disputes and conflict is unavoidable |
| International law and collective security should settle disputes and promote world peace. Conflict is avoidable, and its causes can be found in the domestic settings of states, thus human rights are very important. |
| Both are globalists. Hamiltonians want economic globalization; Wilsonians want to spread democracy, capitalism, human rights, etc. Both are internationalists. Hamiltonians for economic, pro-business reasons; Wilsonians for humanitarian reasons. |
Most recently, during his speech H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before the General Debate of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (Oct-Nov 2015) in New York outlined his country’s foreign policy objectives along with strong commitments to fight against Daesh and AI-Qaeda-affiliated groups. He rightly warned that it is a global risk against all states and communities.
UAE’s Strong Commitments against Terrorism & Extremism
He highlighted UAE’s deep concerns on the escalating tension and violence in the region resulting from the terrorist acts committed by elements deliberately aiming at destabilising the region and undermining its security Daesh, AI-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Ansar-Allah, and other groups, who exploit religion for political purposes.
The Foreign Minister dwelt upon the emerging geo-political and geo-strategic trends in the Middle East and particularly extremism, terrorism, interference in the internal affairs of States and non-respect for the sovereignty of States that demonstrate that the United Nations has not yet fulfilled its primary objective of maintaining international peace and security.
The Foreign Minister highlighted his country effective role in international efforts to help affected countries to confront these threats. He assured his country strong commitment and support to regional and international efforts aiming at combating and eliminating extremism and terrorism through cooperation and coordination with regional and international partners. He mentioned UAE’s participation and active role in establishing and hosting a number of international institutions countering extremism such as the Hedayah Center to help the international community in building capacities and exchanging the best practices in countering all forms of extremism.
Bahrain
UAE along with Saudi Arabia successfully protected the endangered sovereignty of Bahrain by sending troops in its time of national crisis. It strongly denounced foreign intervention in the Bahrain and sincerely supported dialogue process. It was actively engaged in attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution of conflicts in Yemen and by virtue of its effective diplomacy a peaceful accord of transition has been reached between the government and the opposition.
Yemen
He mentioned deteriorating security situation and emerging security concerns happening in Yemen and regarded the restoration of full control of Bab Al-Mandab by the coalition forces and the Yemeni people by defeating the rebels, as another military success in securing this vital sea lane. According to him, it further marked the end of the control of the rebels and their supporters, while demonstrating their weakening presence in other strategic areas in Yemen.
(a) UAE’s Humanitarian Assistance
Total UAE humanitarian assistance extended to Yemen during the past four months has exceeded two hundred million dollars, he said. He assured continue working with the United Nations to deliver aid to meet the humanitarian emergency needs of the Yemeni people.
(b) Role of International Community
He stressed the value of international community’s support and realization to restore the political process in Yemen in accordance with the agreed parameters, most importantly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative and its implementation mechanism.
(c) UAE’s Support to the Arab Coalition
Foreign Minister reassured UAE’s continued support for the Arab coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against Yemeni rebels and Houthis and its commitment to enhancing the capacity of the Yemeni people to restore stability. He showcased UAE’s massive humanitarian assistance campaigns for the needy people of Yemen.
Libya
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed his country’s deep concern regarding the ongoing tension and instability in Libya, which represents a major threat to security and stability in the region. To fight strongly against Daesh and other terrorist organisations and respond to transboundary threats, the UAE showed the appropriate measures to the world by lifting the ban imposed on the capabilities of the elected Libyan Government enabling.
In the near past, UAE played an active role in the UN approved air strike campaign to protect civilians in Libya from the widening military crisis among the different factions as well provided generous humanitarian assistance for the war ragged people. Moreover, it was among the first countries to accept the National Transitional Council for the betterment of its struggling people.
(a) UAE’s Human Concerns (Syria & Libya)
He labeled the Syrian and Libyan crises serious producing shocking violence which has taken a heavy human and political toll. Almost daily, He talked about the immense sufferings of innocent people, especially women and children, in their mass exodus as they search for safe havens and safe livelihoods, and the heavy price paid by refugees who have lost their lives in tragic conditions.
(b) UAE’s Political Solution
The UAE foreign minister said stressed the Security Council to fulfil its principal mandate and reach a consensus on a settlement for the Syrian crisis to ensure a political transition and the formation of a new government, which encompasses all components of the Syrian society. He valued the importance of the international community continuing to deliver humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.
Syria
“The UAE affirms its humanitarian commitment to supporting the Syrian people and alleviating their suffering,” H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said.
(a) UAE’s Humanitarian Commitments
He reaffirmed UAE’s humanitarian commitment to supporting the Syrian people and alleviating their suffering. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UAE has received more than 100,000 Syrian nationals, and extended humanitarian and development assistance totalling more than US$ 530 million, he added.
Iraq
He also mentioned Iraq’s situation an UAE’s support for the efforts of the Iraqi government towards achieving peace and stability and ending sectarian practices, and stress in this context the importance of implementing reforms to ensure inclusiveness, fairness and equality for all segments and components of the Iraqi society.
In the near past, UAE reassured its commitments for the progress and prosperity of the people of Iraq through comprehensive national reconciliation, collective wisdom without any discrimination. It also reiterated the necessity to respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence of Iraq, and furthermore, safeguarding its Arab and Islamic identity.
Iran
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed restated UAE’s total displeasure and rejection of Iran’s continued occupation of the UAE three islands Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. He demanded restoration of the UAE full sovereignty over these islands. He stressed that all actions and measures carried out by the Iranian authorities are contrary to international law and all norms and common values. He renewed UAE’s call to the international community to urge Iran to respond to the sincere and peaceful calls of the UAE to reach a just settlement for this issue, either through serious direct negotiations between our two countries or by referring the issue to the International Court of Justice.
Palestine
The foreign minister showed his country’s solidarity with struggling Palestine’s people and warned of the feelings of injustice and frustration resulting from the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and the flagrant human rights violations committed by the occupation forces provide extremist groups with an opportunity to exploit these serious humanitarian conditions and to spread their radical thinking and incite frustrated youth to implement their destructive agenda.
UAE always shows great concerns at the deteriorating conditions of the Palestinian people. UAE continued support to Palestine has achieved tremendous recognition at different international forums and agencies. It expressed its full support for the Palestine Authority in its attempt to obtain membership of the United Nations. UAE initiated Arab Peace drive for achieving a peaceful settlement of the Israel-Palestine issue based on the relevant international resolutions that will lead to a just and lasting peace and to the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Lebanon
UAE supports the efforts of the Lebanese government towards achieving security, stability and national unity and called for respecting the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and for ceasing the repeated Israeli violations of the Lebanese airspace, waters, territories and regional safety in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 1701.
Somalia
He appreciated the efforts of the Somali Federal Authorities and its Forces in countering AI-Shabaab Movement and its threats, and urged them to continue taking the necessary measures to restore peace and stability, and reiterated his country’s support for such efforts to achieve that objective.
GCC/MENA
As an important part of its foreign policy, UAE stresses the need to have closed cooperation in the fields of security, defence/military, intelligence information sharing, and the last but not the least peaceful nuclear energy cooperation among the GCC states. UAE strongly suggests that the GCC states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia must get their act together for their collective security umbrella. Emerging geo-political situation and rapidly deteriorating geo-strategic scenarios reconfirms UAE’s worries and wishes of a “Joint Military Force” and “Joint Security Shield”.
Peaceful Nuclear Program
Diversification of energy resources, national economy and channels of production are the foremost goals of its balanced foreign policy. UAE always reaffirms its commitments to be transparent, open and fair to international regulatory bodies i.e. IAEA for the implementation and execution of their peaceful nuclear energy programs in the region.
According to UAE’s official figures, now nuclear reactors are destined to become the UAE’s second most important source of energy in the UAE after natural gas, producing about 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity by 2020 and ensuring the continued economic development of the nation.
Now, UAE is pursuing its open, transparent and peaceful nuclear program. UAE President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a decree on 23 December 2009 that formally established the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) as the entity in charge of implementing the UAE’s nuclear programme. ENEC will oversee the construction and operation of nuclear plants and coordinate the distribution of electricity across the country with federal authorities.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs described the UAE’s nuclear program as “an example of transparency in providing the energy needs by commitment towards non enrichment or recycling, with the help of some governments and institutions of other countries, and under the supervision of IAEA.”
The Federal Government had approved a law that formally set the nuclear programme in motion, with the creation of an independent nuclear safety regulator in 2009. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) will be responsible for the oversight of the peaceful nuclear energy sector within the country and the enforcement of nuclear safety and radiological protection standards. FANR will also be responsible for the licensing of operators in the nuclear sector and the monitoring of radiological materials.
UAE Reconciliatory Role
Conflict resolution through constant dialogue, diplomacy and development are the basis of its foreign policy. In the near past, it played remarkable role in bringing peace in boiling Egypt and troubling Tunisia. The UAE offered its diplomatic support to restore security, social and economic development and stability in these countries.
UAE rigorously coordinated its diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia to bring peace back in Syria and stop ongoing socio-politico saga and economic fiascos. It tried its levels best to convince the Syrian government for carrying out of meaningful political dialogue and reforms to fulfill the aspirations of its own people.
UAE Peacekeeping Missions
UAE’s peacekeeping missions are rated as signs of peace, hope and life to conflict tattered countries in the world. It vigorously extended its effective contributions in peacekeeping operations, protecting civilians, and re-building efforts for states which have just emerged from violent armed conflicts. Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan and Sudan are the prime examples of UAE’s tremendous peacekeeping missions that have gained recognition and acknowledgment from different peacekeeping organs. In Afghanistan, UAE provided more than US $ 1.5 billion dollars over the last decade for rehabilitation and reconstruction programs. It built schools, health clinics, roads, bridges, community centers and mosques.
Custodian of Human Rights
UAE’s foreign policy is pro-human and pro-development oriented. Its constitution outlines the freedoms and rights of all citizens, prohibits torture, arbitrary arrest and detention. It respects civil liberties, including freedom of speech and press, peaceful assembly and association, and the practice of religious beliefs. In UAE the principles of the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” is being implemented in letters and spirits.
Most recently promulgated decree “Anti-Discrimination” is the essence of its national policy of human rights, tolerance, interfaith harmony, dialogue and anti-discrimination. Its foreign policy always projects “Soft Power” image.
Development Aid
Development Aid is an integral part of the UAE’s foreign policy. The UAE’s aid extends to various regions throughout the world and covers all countries in urgent need of support, whether providing support to counter poverty, aid in epidemics or during natural disasters, or facing the scourge of political disputes and armed conflicts. Pakistan is among the top recipient of UAE’s development aid for so many years.
Projection of Emirati Society
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs since its establishment has represented “Emirati Society” and has been its window to the outside world, where through the UAE leadership views and visions are disseminated, seeking to emphasize the importance of brotherliness between human beings and always calling for the relieving of the suffering of people, regardless of their origin or religion, emphasizing the importance of cementing the values of global peace and resolving conflicts peacefully and through dialogue.
Arab and Islamic Identity
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed that the United Arab Emirates progress and openness to the world stems from its Arab and Islamic identity. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah stressed that despite the UAE’s small size, it has a large impact on the course of world development. The UAE was only a desert in the past, but today it is germinating many good things, it is a land with high buildings, renaissance and modern landmarks.
Brighter & Better Future
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also stressed that the UAE, through its good relations with various countries succeeded in building an integrated system for a brighter and better future. H.H. Zayed Al Nahyan said that based on the positive foreign policy of the UAE, building bridges of cooperation between the UAE people and various nations have contributed to strengthening the UAE’s ability to attract the best people from around the globe. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah pointed out the distinctive attendance of a large number of world leaders at the government summit.
Climate Change
Right from the beginning, UAE has been a strong supporter of all the regional and international efforts to protect the nature, environment and climate. Its green energy drive, codes, policies and smart cities and buildings all speak of its concern and love towards global climate change. UAE has launched, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature, a sustainable development action plan to develop Masdar City, which will be the world’s first carbon-free, waste-free city, wholly dependent on renewable and clean energy technologies, such as solar energy to generate power and desalinate water. UAE’s efforts have been highly appreciated in the just concluded international conference held in Paris about global climate change for its determined efforts for green technologies and policies.
UAE’s Foreign Policy Strategic Development (2015)
Despite looming regional security threats, mired societies, weak economies, unstable governments, rampant incidents of terrorism and extremism, and above all Iran’s nuclear agreement with the West and lifting of sanctions, the government of the UAE has successfully achieved some strategic goals of its foreign policy which are given below:-
1. UAE-EU Diplomatic Ties
UAE’s foreign policy is purely based on rigorous “commercial diplomacy” due to which it is always in search of new products, markets, regions, zones, countries and economic blocs to increase its trade and commerce activities and speed-up its greater economic integration. The biggest economic bloc and political association EU and the 2nd largest economy of the GCC, UAE signed, a bilateral agreement under which the UAE nationals are waived from the requirements of the Schengen Visa during 2015.
Moreover, the UAE is the first Arab country to have the requirement of entry visas waived for the Schengen zone countries, where UAE nationals holding diplomatic, special, mission and regular passports can travel to 34 European countries, and stay there for 6 months in each year, provided they stay for a period not exceeding 90 days per visit. This aptly reflects the attitude of the world toward the UAE and its foreign policy and emphasises beyond any doubt that the image is bright and UAE is respected, admired and trusted worldwide. “It is also a great achievement for UAE diplomacy, which proved to be a model for outstanding performance characterised by its vitality and ability to move, influence, and plan integrated work, as well as the ability to achieve the supreme national objectives within UAE and abroad”.
2. UAE-Russia Bilateral Relations: A Paradigm Shift
UAE’s increasing bilateral relations with Russia is the “paradigm shift” in regional and global context in terms of socio-economic integration, energy cooperation, security issues, conflict resolution of so many ongoing regional conflicts (Syria, Yemen, Iraq) and strategic coalition against ISIL.
Most recently, Russian Rosatom and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation inked a 15 year commercial contract that could also result in further collaboration. Afterwards, Russia will be among the suppliers of enriched uranium needed for the UAE’s nuclear power plant.
“Six leading international nuclear fuel suppliers have been contracted to provide a series of nuclear fuel services to cover Enec’s requirements, these include Russian company Tenex, part of Rosatom, who will provide uranium concentrates, conversion services and enrichment.
During 2015, UAE foreign Minister visited Russia which was significant as the Kremlin has the keys to unlock back doors in some of these conflict zones which are given below as:-
| Countries | Russian Utility |
| Syria | Russia can be an effective negotiator for achieving desired goals of peace and harmony because of its heavy presence in the affairs of Syria. |
| Iran | Russia can open lines of communication with Iran which would be good for all the power players in the region. It would also be better for regional security and peace in the days to come. |
| Iraq | UAE-Russia can jointly coordinate on the counter-terrorism fight and both are striving to properly equip Iraqi security forces. |
| Yemen | Russian magic stick can bring peace, political settlement, stop infiltration and enhance humanitarian aid. |
| Libya | They can both protect the future of this still unsettled country for achieving greater regional peace and harmony. They are providing support to General Khalifa Haftar and his internationally recognised government in the eastern city of Tobruk. |
| Egypt | Russia can further strengthen its strategic partnership with a strong and stable Egypt. |
| ISIS | Both countries are worried about the rise and mushroom growth of new phenomena of non-state threat in shape of ISIS. Both countries can effectively coordinate for each other in terms of hybrid war-fare, security, and fight against terrorism and extremism. |
Economic ties between both the countries are robust and well developed in terms of geopolitical and economic engagement and that looks set to continue, with many plans for productive collaboration. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees great prospects for investment cooperation between Russia and the United Arab Emirates.,” Putin said at a meeting with Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
“I am very delighted to note your agreement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund on working together and on the possible investment of up to $5 billion in this common work”.
UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also chaired the 4th meeting of the UAE-Russia Joint Committee in Moscow during which the two sides discussed ways of strengthening the economic, trade and investment cooperation relations between the two countries. Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Valentinovich Manturov, chaired the Russian side at the meeting.
Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said
“The UAE and Russia have strong friendly relations built on a spirit of understanding, mutual respect and a shared desire to develop and promote these relations,”
“The committee’s fourth meeting is proof of the leadership’s keenness on bolstering bilateral cooperation in the service of the mutual interests of both sides and for preparing the ground for rapprochement between the two countries to become greater than ever before,” Shaikh Abdullah added.
Shaikh Abdullah noted that Russia is a strategic economic partner of the UAE with trade between the two countries growing significantly to reach US$2.5 billion in 2013, up from US$1.48 in 2012 which is now getting better and better.
He also noted that the value of mutual investments between the two countries stood at more than US$18 billion, and that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Intent creating a US$5 billion investment fund in September 2013, the biggest ever foreign investment into Russia’s infrastructure.
Shaikh Abdullah further noted that there are multiple opportunities for expertise exchange between the two countries, in manufacturing and infrastructure in particular, and that the UAE and Russia are cooperating on the peaceful use of atomic energy and on the oil, gas and mining sectors.
“Tourism between the two countries has increased significantly, taking the number of weekly flights between them to 68, while the number of Russian tourists to the UAE in 2014 reached 280,000 in October. Now there are more than 18,000 Russian residents in the UAE, Shaikh Abdullah added”.
He added that there are big opportunities for mutual investment for the private sectors of both countries, and urged the joint business council to increase its meetings to find new opportunities and overcome the hurdles for business people from both countries.
On his part, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Valentinovich Manturov emphasised its importance for the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries, and the opening of new avenues for strategic cooperation in economic, trade, investment and scientific spheres in particular.
Minister Manturov said, stressing the importance of cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as investment, agriculture, the peaceful use of atomic energy, oil, gas, mining, space, tourism and banking, the sectors which, he noted, have common benefit for the peoples of the two friendly countries..
He also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, and the signing of a MoU between the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.
Now, the UAE seeks to invest in Russia’s infrastructure, as well as in food security programmes. It also considers Russia as a “heavyweight player” and “reliable partner” with great economic and knowledge potential. In the near past, UAE established with the Russian Direct Investment Fund a Dh7bn account to develop infrastructure in Russia’s south region. Moreover, according to UAE’s official figure Mubadala will also invest billions of dirhams in Russia’s agriculture sector very soon.
On the part of Russia, it seeks to build an air hub in the UAE to deliver aid and knowledge to Africa. It facilities to act as a bridge to Africa, where Russia, with its extensive air cargo-carrying capabilities, can help develop infrastructure and provide health services in areas affected by conflict and famine.
Russia and the UAE, through Mubadala, are now cooperating to build a US$750 million airport in Cuba, as well as redeveloping a port and building a railway line in the Caribbean country.
The UAE and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a strategic partnership in the field of space exploration. The MoU was inked by Chairman of the UAE Space Agency Khalifa Mohammed Al-Rumaithi and General Director of the Russian Federal Space Agency ROSCOMOS Igor Komarov.
It allows for extensive cooperation in space policy, human capital development and training, as well as in future development, ground station operations support and general awareness, the UAE agency said in an e-mailed statement. The UAE Space Agency is keen to benefit from the expertise of other space programs, Al-Rumaithi said at his meeting with Komarov. The UAE, which already developed several research and observation satellites, aims to launch a Mars mission by 2023.
UAE and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
The UAE desires a stronger partnership with NATO. In addition to appointing an ambassador to NATO, the UAE has also supported prominent NATO missions, for example, by contributing airpower to Operation Unified Protector, which defended civilians during the 2011 Libyan civil war, and by participating in the International Security Assistance Force, a program that trains Afghan security forces.
In turn, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has on several occasions expressed his desire to strengthen ties with the UAE. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has stressed the importance of partnership with the United Arab Emirates under the “Istanbul Cooperation Initiative” and the latter’s cooperation with the International Security Assistant Force operating in Afghanistan.
For the further strengthening of its national security, modernization of weaponry, advancement in strategic and tactical war-fare and the last but not the least, strong defense, UAE wants strategic partnership/alliance with NATO. UAE wants other creditable security partners to insulate itself from regional volatility. It purposefully prefers not to heavily rely on USA exclusively, especially since it has had serious concerns about U.S. Middle East policy since 2009.
NATO’s Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (2004) offered Middle Eastern countries a bilateral security relationship with the alliance. It has also opened up a dialogue between the UAE and the broader transatlantic bloc on issues of defense and cybersecurity, military education and training, and emergency preparedness. Recently, the UAE has even been able to participate in NATO air defense exercises in Turkey, cooperate with the Turkish navy on maritime security, and teach its cadets military studies at the NATO Defense College in Italy.
With further strengthening of bilateral relations with NATO the UAE hopes that a more robust partnership with NATO could move the country closer to obtaining firm security guarantees, short of Article 5, from Washington, London, and Paris.
General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the Nato Military Committee stressed that the security of the Gulf is as much crucial to the bloc as for other countries, since regional stability has the same importance to all NATO nations. Italian Minister of Defence Giampaolo Di Paola also hailed the UAE’s positive role within the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, which also includes Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. He also commended its significant role and contribution in helping the construction and stability operations in Afghanistan.
3. UAE and Azerbaijan Bilateral Relations
To widen its foreign diplomatic ties, scope of greater economic integration, alternative channels and places of energy production and above all better political understanding, the government achieved a landmark by establishing strong socio-economic relations with Azerbaijan during 2015. Iran’s nuclear agreement with West and the UAE’s increasing bilateral relations have direct correlation to certain social, political and economic reasons. It is a great achievement and great strategic goal.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai held an expanded meeting on April 2, 2015. The sides discussed political relations, as well as the successful cooperation within the framework of the international organizations.
The two countries enjoy fruitful cooperation in various fields and their mutual relations are developing both in the political, economic and cultural fields with ascending line. Azerbaijan and UAE also have long-standing and successful cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The sides noted big opportunities and potential for the two countries to cooperate in the field of investments. Azerbaijan and the UAE also have huge capacity for further increasing the trade volume and are taking measures to reach this goal. President Aliyev said the economic cooperation and investment related issues are important for expanding collaboration. He expressed satisfaction that the first overseas office of the UAE’s Chamber of Commerce was founded three years ago in Baku.
President Aliyev noted that there are good opportunities for mutual investments, joint implementation of various projects, as well as for the creation of joint ventures, especially in tourism sector.
4. Joint Police Force of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Another strategic goal achieved by the UAE during 2015 was the plan to establish a joint police force of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The UAE cabinet endorsed hosting the headquarters for a proposed joint police force of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states in its capital Abu Dhabi. UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is also prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said a joint GCC coordination has become a necessity.
Sheikh Mohammed also said that the “UAE has become a model in safety and peace regionally and internationally,” adding: “Hosting the GCC police force reflects such a confidence in its attractive and encouraging environment.
“The GCC police force will work to coordinate efforts across the region, share knowledge and information among other relevant security bodies”
5. UAE and African Countries Cooperation & Collaboration
UAE pursued its diplomatic ties with lots of African countries for the further strengthening of socio-economic ties, widening of scope of FDIs, joint ventures and above all naval security. Due to its geographical proximity, it is an opportunity to benefit from these strategic links and activate them in several fields.
African continent is now stand for rapid development, unlimited untapped energy resources, cheap labour and channels of production due to which UAE through its rigorous foreign policy is taking all possible measures to capture all possible sources and resources.
UAE already increased its diplomatic presence by opening new diplomatic missions in Africa.
The UAE is now working to expand economic and investment cooperation with Africa given the continent’s massive untapped potential and such an approach will benefit both sides.
“As part of its economic and humanitarian approach, the UAE has placed the strengthening of its relations with African countries as an item on its agenda,”
UAE seeks to contribute to the development of their economies by forging economic cooperation based on mutual benefit and common goals. In the near past, the UAE Ministry of Economy, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, organized the Emirati Investment and Trade Forum in both Tanzania and Kenya. The Forum was attended by a 50-member trade and economic mission from the UAE, representing 25 public and private sector institutions of our country. UAE relations with Burundi, Rwanda and Zambia are also on the rise.
Moreover, trade between the UAE and Africa could surge by nearly 27 percent this year to Dh184 billion ($50bn) compared to Dh145 billion ($39.5 billion).
Given the UAE’s huge investment strengths and its strategic location, which connects African trade to many countries of the world, especially the Asian continent, the two sides can establish a strong partnership in many fields, such as transportation, particularly air transport and mining.”
Today, the UAE is considered the largest transit point of trade for many African countries. Given the abundance of mineral resources in Africa and the rapid growth of the manufacturing sector in the UAE and the GCC, African countries may turn into major source of raw material needed by GCC industries, including aluminum and uranium (needed to run nuclear power stations that are being established in the GCC, in collaboration with the countries producing nuclear fuel).
Asumi said there is a “huge” scope for economic and investment cooperation between the UAE and Africa adding that the public and private sectors need to make the right decisions so that both the contributing parties benefit mutually.
6. UAE’s Latin American Entry
UAE’s foreign policy is based on rigorous commercial diplomacy, business forums, strategic dialogues and above all joint economic commissions which always provide alternative markets and country to showcase its diversification of energy resources and macro-economy. Now, as a policy, the UAE is taking all possible measures to diverse its commercial interests. Latin America is now new destination for UAE’s products, exports, services, investments, joint ventures and bilateral relations.
UAE’s capital flows between different Latin American countries are on the rise, paralleling the stepped-up diplomatic relations between the two regions. UAE’s investors are focused on securing access to raw materials such as iron, copper, agricultural land, and food crops.
(a) Cuba
During his visit to Cuba Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan UAE and Cuba agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation. Al Nahyan met with Cuban authorities, signed two agreements, and inaugurated his country’s embassy in Havana, which he said was a clear sign of the consolidation of the ties established by the two countries in March 2002.
“I am sure that the next few years will witness the prosperity of our ties,” he added during his official meeting with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez, with whom he signed an agreement on air services “between and beyond our territories” which will facilitate the expansion of opportunities for international air transport.
(b) Uruguay, Paraguay and Peru
The UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited to Uruguay, Paraguay and Peru during 2015. His visiting the region was as part of the delegation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, who visited Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile.
The agenda for dialogue in Uruguay included the opening of an embassy by this South American country in the UAE. It would serve to increase dialogue between the UAE and Uruguay on a range of issues, and to support an expansion of business links. Uruguay is particularly interested in drawing investment from the UAE in the projected deep-water Atlantic port in the eastern department or province of Rocha. The foreign ministers also reported a project involving cooperation in horse breeding genetics and renewable energy, although the two countries have not yet signed concrete agreements in these areas.
During his tour through four key Latin American countries Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile Prime Minister Al Maktoum met with each president and signed agreements in important areas. The details of his tour and agreements signed are given below as:-
| Name of the Country | Details |
| Chile | Both countries signed an accord to avoid double taxation on income and wealth of air transport and naval companies. |
| Argentina | A memorandum of understanding was reached for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. |
| Brazil | UAE signed an agreement in defence for technology sharing, cooperation in training and instruction, weapons, crisis management and logistical support. |
| Mexico | UAE signed a declaration on the conclusion of the negotiations of the Accord for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment between the two countries. |
Concluding Remarks
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) founding father HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan outlined the principles of UAE foreign policy which included an underlying belief in justice in international dealings between states, a principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other states and the pursuit, wherever possible, of peaceful resolutions of disputes, with strong support for international institutions, such as the United Nations (UN).
Moreover, through its support for such international organizations/forums/bodies, the UAE seeks to reinforce the rule of international law, and to support the implementation of internationally agreed conventions, protecting the interests of the small, the weak and the powerless.
Last but not the least, within the Arabian Gulf region, and in the broader Arab world, the UAE has sought to enhance cooperation and to resolve disagreement through dialogue
The UAE’s foreign policy is based on a balanced approach which gives it a necessary strategic cushion in the times of crises. Its foreign policy is the life-wire to its society, economy, resources, governance and mega projects.
UAE’s foreign policy cares about its commercial interests and facilitates its mega projects through bilateral or trilateral agreements and MOUs. Its rigorous commercial diplomacy has already enhanced its exports and ex-exports in the world.
Through its wise foreign policy based on commercial diplomacy it has now more than 75 bilateral tax agreements and some 50 bilateral investment treaties with strategic partners around the world. It is the connecting point of unlimited people and services alike as well as air transport agreements with 168 countries on different continents of the world. It is signatory to hundreds of other bilateral and multilateral agreements. It continues to lead the Middle Eastern countries as the region’s largest trading partner with the world’s top 10 global economies, thanks to its balanced foreign policy and strategic vision of its leaders.
It is also a main actor of its “Soft Power” drive in the world. It rightly highlights its different human and business friendly policies to different regional as well as world forums. It reduces any ambiguity on different complicated issues of security, non-state actors, terrorism, piracy, immigration and the last but not the least, climate change.
UAE’s foreign policy is the main pillar of its strong defense, territorial sovereignty, national pride and above all domestic affairs through different security pacts, strategic alliances, expos, exhibitions, conferences, seminars and trade fairs etc.
It is also responsible for the right projection of its different decrees, laws, policies and regulations relating to labour, human rights, media operations, women empowerment and anti-discrimination laws etc. Its foreign policy also outlines its strategic preferences and priorities and regulates all parameters of socio-economic prosperity. It guarantees inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs) through different road-shows etc.
Its foreign policy is the champion of “conflict resolution” which is verified from its past and present endeavors within the region as well as at international stage. Its foreign policy facilitates process of dialogue, diplomacy and development. UAE sponsored “reconciliatory process” in Iraq, Yemen, Libyan, Libya, Kuwait, Bahrain and many other parts of the world, all highly speaks about its valuable foreign policy.
Humanitarian assistance and development aid are the two main pillars of its pro-human foreign policy. Both are sanctioned unconditionally. It has successfully turned tears into smiles of unlimited struggling people around the globe.
Its foreign policy’s objectives are crystal clear. It promotes regional peace and global harmony. It encourages peaceful co-existence. It is dynamic and forwarding looking. Diplomatic relations have been established with more than 190 countries throughout the world, compared to relations with only three countries when the UAE was first established in 1971.
During 2015, UAE’s foreign policy enabled to achieve some tremendous strategic goals i.e. greater socio-economic interaction, better geo-political understanding and above all befitting geo-strategic arrangements with, Russia, Azerbaijan, Latin America region, and Africa continent. It has further enhanced bilateral relations, socio-economic integration and the last but not the least, provision of strategic alliances against ongoing war in Syria, mitigation of Iran’s nuclear deal and countering of post-sanction era in and beyond 2016.
Its agreement with European Union (EU) has increased its access to the biggest economic bloc and political association in the world. It also provides sense of “alternative options” in the times of crises. Its increasing relations and better understanding with NATO is also widened its strategic options.
Its proposed idea of “joint police force” got momentum during 2015. Hopefully, it would further mature and powerful in the days to come. Its pursuits against terrorism, extremism and discrimination further need joint ventures, better understanding of commonalities and limitations within and beyond region. Its resolve towards further happiness, qualitative life and services need further domestic consolidation of socio-economy and coordination among different organs of the state.
One of the main actors of its foreign policy is about “regional peace and harmony” which compel it to engage in the ongoing war within the framework of Arab coalition and UN. It is a peace-loving country which always cares about the interests of other regional countries and does not like any military adventure or misadventure anywhere in the world. Its military engagement and support in Yemen and Syria is based on its desire to achieve regional peace and harmony by protecting the weaker factions and genders in these countries. It is based on its foreign policy principles of peaceful coexistence and discouraging of any outside infiltration.
Most recently, the United Arab Emirates celebrated its 44rd National Day on December 2, 2015. It achieved multidimensional goals of prosperity, high levels of production, diversification of economy and optimal output of non-oil sector because of its tireless efforts of its foreign ministry under the supervision of its Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
