Israel Became the Top Partner – But Abu Dhabi Still Leaves a Door Open for Iran

The UAE has become Israel's closest regional ally since the Abraham Accords, yet simultaneously renews trade and diplomatic ties with Iran to reduce the risk of further conflict. The Emirates balance a deep security alliance with Israel and the US while maintaining an open channel with Tehran.

According to a report in the Financial Times, the UAE has become Israel's closest regional ally since the establishment of relations about five years ago. During the conflict, Iran launched some three thousand missiles and drones toward the Emirates, most of which were intercepted by a multi-layered array including American, Israeli, South Korean, and Ukrainian systems, as well as assistance from British and French fighter jets. From Abu Dhabi's perspective, Israel and the US top the list of countries that helped during the crisis. At the same time, the Emirates are trying to reopen economic and diplomatic channels with Iran. Five months after the Iranian threat emptied Dubai's business center, offices in the financial district have refilled, commercial ships have resumed transporting goods to Iran, and the first flights have resumed. Authorities have begun allowing some 20,000 Iranian residents to return to the Emirates. These moves do not reflect trust in Tehran but an attempt to reduce the risk of further conflict. The Emiratis assess that the war has weakened the Iranian regime but not led to its collapse, and the fear is that Gulf states will have to contend with a wounded and more aggressive Iran. The Emirati strategy rests on a complex balance: deepening the alliance with Israel and the US, keeping an open channel with Iran, and building infrastructure to cope with the next war.