On September 23, President Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan visited Washington. This tour of the president highlights the ongoing efforts of the United Arab Emirates to maintain its global influence. This trip points out the deeper issues of the relationship between these two nations, the US and the UAE. The UAE is famous due to its large oil production and rapid rise. However, its reliance on expatriate workers explores a fragile foundation. Its 90% of the population consists of expatriate workers. The country’s wealth and power are concentrated in Abu Dhabi under MbZ, who only became president after his half-brother died in 2022.
UAE has a concise history of independence. Despite this fact, the nation presents itself as a regional powerhouse. However, it faces opposition from other nations due to its drawbacks. It includes human rights abuses, including labour exploitation, and its involvement in controversial regional conflicts. The United States needs to reconsider its support for the nation, UAE. This is because the partnership between the UAE and the United States comes with significant ethical concerns.
The UAE’s growing relationship with the U.S. has moved beyond geography to strategic interests. However, the UAE’s actions in the Middle East are very complicated. No doubt that the United Arab Emirates is the biggest buyer of United States goods. But this is mostly beneficial for its nation, not the United States.
In the case of defense and security the United Arab Emirates relied heavily on the American protection system. This nation hosted the United States military forces. It is also important to know that the regional conflicts remain complicated although nations participate in the US-led coalition.
Why did the UAE join the Abraham Accord?
Diplomatically, the UAE seems to have normal ties with Israel. For this purpose, the nation joined the Abraham Accord. But in reality, this is more focused on its interests rather than thinking about the Gaza war. The secret talks of this nation with Iran since 2019 also highlight that it is more concerned about its safety rather than addressing real threats in the region. The actions of the nation indicate the UAE is prioritizing self-interest over finding real solutions.
There are many challenges ahead in the relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Tensions date back to when Biden was vice president, particularly over the Iran nuclear deal and Arab Spring. The nation has long worried about the United State shift away from the Middle East. At the same time, Washington views that the Emirate’s actions are not safe, such as its efforts to prevent the sanctions on Iran and Russia.
Back in 2022, when Houthis attacked Abu Dhabi. This incident caused many complexities and tensions. Despite receiving military aid, the UAE strongly opposed the United States’ response. The United States is also worried about the increasing closeness of the UAE and China.
A potential Chinese military facility in the UAE delayed a major F-35 jet sale, and Emirati tech company G42 faced scrutiny due to its connections to China, despite claims of distancing itself. These issues highlight the ongoing strain between the US and the UAE.
MbZ’s visit to the United States
The visit of MbZ to the United States is important. It seeks to lessen the tensions and create quick wins for Joe Biden before the election times come closer. The purpose of this meeting is to strengthen ties with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, It reflects a need for stability despite thinking about who wins in November. The main objective is to discuss different areas such as energy, health, AI, space, and defence. But the visit of the UAE president also seems like the nation is shifting away from security dependence towards economic interests.
The UAE’s intention also raises many questions. It is troubling to know that this nation provided the dusk-use item to Russia amid the Ukraine war. This involvement suggests a disregard for international sanctions. Additionally, the UAE’s support for controversial figures in Sudan, particularly the Rapid Support Forces, highlights a problematic alliance that undermines the United States’ interests in the region.
In the case of nuclear agreements, the side deal of this nation could lead to a risky arms race in the Middle East.
This visit may focus more on the UAE’s goals than on keeping the region safe and stable, which could hurt US efforts to deal with important global problems.