Despite the tensions in the Middle East, including potential escalations between Iran and Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a remarkably stable and secure country. This security is largely due to the nation’s diplomatic and economic strategy.
A key moment occurred in October 2023, following the Israeli incursion into Gaza, which prompted global reactions. When a journalist asked if the UAE would sever its trade relationship with Israel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs responded resolutely that economics and politics are not mixed.
This policy of neutrality is characteristic of the way the UAE positions itself on the world stage.
The UAE Builds Bridges Between East and West
The UAE skilfully balances itself diplomatically between major powers. While many countries chose sides in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the UAE remained neutral and maintains good relations with both nations.
Relations with China are also strong, as are those with traditional Western allies such as the United Kingdom and the United States. For example, a $200 billion trade deal was recently signed with the US, with a total investment commitment of $1.4 trillion spread over ten years.
Within the UAE, people from diverse countries live and work, including many Iranians. Russian billionaires and British entrepreneurs are relocating there en masse, as are large hedge funds from Europe and the US. This underscores the confidence international businesses and individuals have in the UAE’s stability.
Although Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic rivals, they remain close military allies. This balance between economic competition and strategic cooperation is typical of UAE diplomacy.
Thanks to these strategic choices and its ability to build bridges rather than walls, the UAE has positioned itself as a safe haven in an often unstable region.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
