The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has increasingly asserted itself as a significant player on the regional and international stage, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. This proactive foreign policy has involved a complex web of alliances, interventions, and financial support, attracting both praise and criticism. Recent tensions with Saudi Arabia in Yemen have brought renewed scrutiny to Abu Dhabi’s strategic approach, highlighting its willingness to operate independently and pursue its own interests. The UAE’s actions are largely driven by a desire to counter what it perceives as destabilizing forces, primarily those associated with political Islam, but its methods spark debate about their overall impact on regional stability.
The UAE’s Strategic Focus: Countering Political Islam
At the core of the UAE’s assertive foreign policy lies a deep-seated concern regarding the spread of political Islam, especially groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Emirati officials consistently frame their interventions as efforts to strengthen nation-states and safeguard them against extremist ideologies. They believe a stable regional order requires strong, centralized governments capable of controlling their borders and maintaining internal security.
However, this rationale is contested by international observers who argue that the UAE’s approach often exacerbates existing conflicts and inadvertently bolsters authoritarian regimes. Critics point to a pattern of supporting factions that prioritize control over inclusivity, leading to prolonged instability and human rights concerns. This delicate balance between security and governance defines much of the UAE’s involvement in regional hotspots.
UAE Involvement in Yemen: A Shifting Landscape
Yemen represents a crucial case study in the UAE’s foreign policy. While officially announcing a troop withdrawal in 2019, Abu Dhabi continues to exert considerable influence through its support of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). This separatist group, trained and equipped by the UAE, serves as a counterweight to the Islah party – a Yemeni faction perceived by the UAE as affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood – which is influential within the Saudi-backed government.
The UAE views the STC as vital for securing maritime access in the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. This support, however, has contributed to internal divisions within the anti-Houthi camp, hindering efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The recent clashes with Saudi Arabian-backed forces demonstrate the UAE’s willingness to protect its interests in Yemen, even if it means challenging its closest allies. This highlights a degree of independence in its regional strategy.
Economic Diplomacy: The Case of Egypt
The UAE’s engagement with Egypt exemplifies its use of economic leverage to achieve strategic goals. Since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s rise to power in 2013, Abu Dhabi has been Cairo’s most significant financial backer, supporting a government that shares its opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood.
In 2024, a landmark $35 billion deal was signed between ADQ, a UAE sovereign wealth fund, and Egypt to develop a prime section of the Mediterranean coast. This substantial investment provides Egypt with crucial foreign currency and aims to stabilize its economy. Beyond finances, the political alignment between the two nations led to a coordinated boycott of Qatar in 2017 and a shared stance against Turkish influence in Libya, often focused on containing perceived Islamist threats.
Controversial Support: The Situation in Sudan
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the UAE’s foreign policy is the alleged support provided to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. UN sanctions monitors have reported credible allegations that the UAE has supplied military aid to the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), during the ongoing civil war against the Sudanese army.
Analysts suggest this support stems from distrust towards the Sudanese Armed Forces, due to the presence of Islamists within its ranks linked to the former Omar al-Bashir regime. Hemedti, a former ally in Yemen, is seen as a potential counterweight. The RSF has been accused of committing severe human rights violations. The UAE vehemently denies these accusations, claiming its role is strictly humanitarian and providing aid to Sudanese refugees. It maintains the claims are unsubstantiated and lack concrete evidence.
Expanding Influence: Chad, Somaliland and Libya
The UAE’s proactive international relations extend beyond these core cases. In Chad, it has reinforced security and economic ties with the transitional government, providing armored vehicles and signing military cooperation agreements to act as a buffer against Islamist insurgents in the Sahel region. Attention is focused on the Amdjarass airport, suspected as a logistics hub for supplying arms to the RSF, though the UAE asserts its use is solely for humanitarian aid.
In Somaliland, a self-declared republic, the UAE has invested heavily in the Port of Berbera through DP World, creating a strategic alternative to Djibouti. A previously proposed military base, now designated for civilian use, nonetheless signifies a close security partnership. This relationship was further demonstrated by Israel’s recent official recognition of Somaliland, reportedly facilitated by Abu Dhabi.
Finally, in Libya, the UAE has been a key backer of Commander Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA), providing air support and equipment during the 2019 offensive on Tripoli. This intervention aimed to overthrow the internationally recognised Government of National Accord, which included factions aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. Though the civil war remains unresolved, the UAE continues to play a significant role in shaping Libya’s political future.
The UAE and Israel: A New Alignment
The UAE’s decision to normalize relations with Israel in 2020, through the Abraham Accords, marked a historic shift in regional dynamics. This move, brokered by the United States, formalized a strategic alignment against shared adversaries, most notably Iran and groups like Hamas.
While public engagement has cooled due to the Gaza war and criticism of Israeli military actions, Abu Dhabi maintains its diplomatic ties, viewing the relationship as a crucial lever for regional influence and a unique channel of communication with Washington. The normalization agreement has opened up avenues for economic cooperation and security coordination.
In conclusion, the UAE’s foreign policy is characterized by a determined pursuit of its national interests, a strong aversion to political Islam, and a willingness to forge unconventional alliances. While the effectiveness and ethical implications of its approach remain subject to debate, Abu Dhabi has demonstrably emerged as a powerful force in the Middle East and Africa, consistently reshaping the regional geopolitical landscape. Its continued engagements will be crucial to understand as regional dynamics evolve.
