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The UAE’s Innovative Diplomacy: How the Abraham Accords Changed (or Did Not Change) Emirati Foreign Policy

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The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation

Part of the book series: Studies in Diplomacy and International Relations ((SID))

Abstract

What is the meaning of the Abraham Accords signed in 2020? Are they a turning point in Emirati diplomacy or the culmination of an evolution which began in the wake of the Arab Spring? More the former than the latter because major changes already occurred. Over time, the Emirati leadership has wanted to turn the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into the Switzerland of the Middle East. Strong on economic development and cooperation, the Federation has tried to pacify relations with all countries. Its ability to assimilate good practices and ideas from beyond the Western world is probably the main reason for its success, yet, the UAE has not hesitated to put into practice Western variations of soft power, with a focus on the organization of international events such as Expo 2020 or the COP 28. Such international cooperation, which encompasses fields such as humanitarianism, development, foreign aid, and assistance, is perhaps not innovative per se, but it does mark a new trend in Emirati foreign policy, with which the Abraham Accords are consistent.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The seven rulers of the Emirates are under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, de facto leader of the country, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister. However, the federal constitution allows them to keep local power. Especially in the Northern Emirates, the local sheikhs have remained the most prominent political figures.

  2. 2.

    In an interview given to CNN, Omar Al Olama, Minister of Artificial Intelligence, described the UAE as such. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrUk2fM5eVo.

  3. 3.

    Interestingly, there were no leaks from the Israeli side. Israelis have the reputation of not being able to keep a secret. The Accords demonstrated otherwise.

  4. 4.

    The COVID-19 crisis jeopardized the Expo. Before the crisis, the government of Dubai expected between 25 and 100 million visitors. However, reaching the lowest estimate while the pandemic was not over was still regarded as a success.

  5. 5.

    By 2025, for all major public construction projects, the carbon footprint will be revealed.

  6. 6.

    “Collaborating for Climate Action: the UAE at the COP26.” https://uaeun.org/collaborating-for-climate-action-the-uae-at-cop26/.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wollongong, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    William Guéraiche

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  1. William Guéraiche
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Paul Webster Hare

  2. School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA

    Juan Luis Manfredi-Sánchez

  3. Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey

    Kenneth Weisbrode

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Guéraiche, W. (2023). The UAE’s Innovative Diplomacy: How the Abraham Accords Changed (or Did Not Change) Emirati Foreign Policy. In: Hare, P.W., Manfredi-Sánchez, J.L., Weisbrode, K. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation. Studies in Diplomacy and International Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10971-3_27

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