UAE’s Evolving Role as a Key Actor in the Middle East and Beyond
Recent years have seen the United Arab Emirates (UAE) transform from a relatively small regional player into a prominent actor with significant influence across the Middle East and beyond. This evolution is reflected in the UAE’s ambitious humanitarian and development projects, strategic geopolitical engagements, and investments in cultural and infrastructure reconstruction. From funding heritage reconstruction in Mosul to pledging aid for Gaza’s reconstruction and engaging with the Taliban, the UAE’s strategic moves showcase a blend of humanitarianism and geopolitical strategy aimed at enhancing its international stature. This article delves into the UAE’s evolving role and its implications on the global stage.
Rebuilding Mosul: Cultural Cooperation or Soft Power Diplomacy?
In 2018, following the significant defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq, the UAE pledged US$50 million to support the reconstruction of cultural heritage sites in Mosul. This pledge was noted by the Director-General of UNESCO as the largest cooperative effort for cultural heritage rebuilding in Iraq’s history. Partnering with UNESCO, the UAE undertook the restoration of vital landmarks including the Al-Nouri Mosque and its Al-Hadba Minaret, which were destroyed by ISIL. The project also expanded to include the restoration of two churches damaged during ISIL’s occupation. The Al-Nouri Mosque and its iconic minaret, significant symbols of the city, are nearing completion, with plans to reopen by late 2024.
The UAE’s involvement in Mosul has generated both praise and criticism. Viewed through the lens of soft power diplomacy, the UAE’s initiative resembles Saudi Arabia’s heritage reconstruction efforts in Bosnia after the Yugoslavian Civil War, which were perceived as religious intervention. Similarly, the UAE’s Mosul project has faced backlash for various reasons. Critics have pointed to the use of an Egyptian construction firm instead of a local Iraqi company and the “Gulf-inspired” redesign of restored sites, which some locals argue deviates from Mosul’s historic aesthetics. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the ‘After Islamic State’ project at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that foreign-led heritage reconstruction in Mosul had minimal impact on the daily lives of the city’s residents. Despite the substantial financial commitment, the initiative has been criticized for not addressing more immediate local needs, such as economic and social development, and instead serving as a form of cultural diplomacy that enhances the UAE’s global image.
UAE’s Energy Infrastructure in Iraq: A Humanitarian Business Model
The UAE’s engagement in Iraq extends beyond cultural reconstruction to include substantial investments in infrastructure and economic development. In 2021, the UAE announced a commitment of US$3 billion for post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Iraq. This initiative aims to strengthen economic ties, create new opportunities for cooperation, and foster social and developmental growth. The investment reflects the UAE’s strategy of combining humanitarian aid with economic incentives to reinforce regional stability and enhance its geopolitical influence.
A key aspect of this strategy is the UAE’s focus on infrastructure projects. In 2021, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a contract with the General Company for Ports of Iraq to explore investment opportunities and improve maritime and transportation cooperation. Additionally, the UAE has shown interest in supporting Iraq’s agriculture and tourism sectors. In 2022, UAE-based Acrotech signed its first agriculture investment deal with Iraq, aimed at assisting farmers with advanced technology to boost production. This approach underscores the UAE’s foreign policy of using humanitarian and economic development as tools to achieve regional influence and recognition.
Reconstruction in Gaza: Humanitarian Cause or Image Building in the Gulf
The UAE’s approach to Gaza’s reconstruction is closely tied to its broader regional ambitions and diplomatic strategies. The UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel through The Abraham Accords in 2020 marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Although the Accord was not primarily intended to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it was cited as a potential framework for a two-state solution.
In December 2023, the UAE proposed contributing to Gaza’s reconstruction as part of a broader plan that includes a US-backed two-state solution. This proposal highlights the UAE’s desire to align its humanitarian efforts with international diplomatic frameworks and peace processes. The UAE has played a leading role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, contributing 27 percent of the total aid to the enclave. This substantial contribution helps the UAE maintain a favorable image with the US and Israel while mitigating potential backlash from the Arab world and domestic critics. By positioning itself as a key player in Gaza’s reconstruction, the UAE aims to enhance its role as a mediator in the Middle East and demonstrate its commitment to long-term regional peace.
Engagement with the Taliban: A Quest for Regional Influence
The recent meeting between Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and representatives from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) in Abu Dhabi has sparked considerable debate. This engagement aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to bolster its influence in Afghanistan and enhance its reputation as a valuable partner to Western powers.
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the UAE has been involved in various humanitarian initiatives, including the evacuation of foreign diplomats and Afghan nationals, and providing relief supplies during severe poverty periods. Additionally, in May 2022, the IEA signed a deal with GAAC Solutions, a UAE-based firm, for the security and management of airports in Herat, Kabul, and Kandahar. This deal and subsequent visits by Taliban officials to the UAE underscore Abu Dhabi’s pragmatic approach to engaging with the Taliban while advancing its strategic interests.
Scholars argue that the UAE’s engagement with the Taliban reflects a calculated strategy to assert its influence amid regional rivalries, particularly with Qatar. By demonstrating its ability to manage relations with the Taliban and provide humanitarian aid, the UAE aims to enhance its geopolitical position and counter Qatar’s prominence in post-occupation Afghanistan.
The UAE’s multifaceted approach to international engagement, from funding the reconstruction of Mosul’s cultural heritage to pledging aid for Gaza and engaging with Afghanistan, exemplifies a sophisticated blend of humanitarianism and geopolitical strategy. These efforts highlight the UAE’s ambition to leverage soft power diplomacy and strategic investments to enhance its global image and influence. The Mosul initiative, despite facing criticism, serves as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to cultural diplomacy. The substantial investments in Iraq’s infrastructure and the conditional support for Gaza’s reconstruction underscore the UAE’s role as a mediator in regional politics. Meanwhile, the engagement with the Taliban illustrates the UAE’s strategic maneuvering to maintain and expand its influence. Collectively, these actions depict the UAE’s calculated strategy to pursue its geopolitical interests, assert its presence, and enhance its role on the global stage.