Arab Modernizers

Key Findings:

Moran Zaga, a policy fellow at the Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policy, speaks of the  positive shift in Israeli-Emirati relations since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Interpersonal and business relations have increased exponentially, and have been positive, warm, and successful– potentially modeling a new vision of peace for the Middle East.

The author points out that Israel’s peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan were established far before the peace agreement with the UAE, yet still did not see such success, both on a business and interpersonal level. This is due to the fact that the relationship between the UAE and Israel rests on shared values, opening the door to long-term partnership.

Zaga speaks of a cultural and educational evolution that has been unfolding in the UAE, beginning before the signing of the Abraham Accords. For instance, a ministry of tolerance was established in the in 2016, and in 2019, a plan to establish the Abrahamic Family House (a complex in Abu Dhabi dedicated to all three Abrahamic religions, including a mosque, a church, and a synagogue) was announced by minister Abduallah bin Zayed. In 2021, it was decided that Holocaust studies be introduced into Emirati school textbooks. 

The UAE has also placed itself on the map as a technological pioneer in the Middle East, sharing the entrepreneurial values of investing in groundbreaking tech with Israel. 

The author states that, through her work as the head of Middle East Relations at the University of Haifa, she has seen an eagerness on both sides to work with one another, learn from one another, and connect academically. 

The Emirati evolution is to be taken into account through a political lens as well, which brings up both positive opportunities and possible challenges for Israel in the long run. The UAE has extended normalization to enemies of Israel, which could perhaps lead to opportunities for bridging and peaceful dialogue. However, Israel’s peace agreements with the Gulf states heavily rely on the basis of a mutual shared enemy, Iran. If this factor is jeopardized, the shifting dynamics could cause unprecedented friction and bring about unforeseen challenges. Therefore, it would be wise for Israel to explore more grounds of mutuality to continue normalization, in case this factor becomes irrelevant. 

The author mentions that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also a factor contributing to strain, with Netanyahu having yet to publicly meet with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed as opposed to other Israeli government officials. 

The relationship between both countries is just in its beginnings, but in order to maintain it, there is diligent work to be done between both sides. Regardless of the challenges that may arise, the future of this young relationship proves itself as promising as it lies on the shared values both countries hold, as well as their hope for one another’s success.