U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The meeting was part of Rubio’s broader overseas trip, which included the highest-level interaction between the U.S. and Russia since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Their discussions took place as the U.S. continued efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The UAE has played an active role in mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, reinforcing its influence in international diplomacy.
Strengthening U.S.-UAE Ties and Addressing Regional Conflicts, Stability, and Humanitarian Concerns
Rubio thanked the UAE for its strong partnership with the U.S., particularly in economic cooperation, defense, and regional stability. The meeting covered multiple critical issues, including artificial intelligence, conflicts in the Middle East, and the situation in the Red Sea, where attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels had subsided following the Gaza ceasefire.
While there was no immediate statement from the UAE regarding the details of their conversation, the meeting reflected the depth of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Rubio and UAE Leader Discuss Gaza, Ukraine, and Regional Stability Amid Diplomatic ShiftsFollowing the discussions, UAE-based media outlet The National reported that Sheikh Mohammed expressed firm opposition to any attempts to displace Palestinians from Gaza. His stance directly opposed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of permanently removing Gaza’s population and forcing Egypt and Jordan to accept them.
Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that any reconstruction efforts in Gaza must be tied to a long-term peace plan based on a two-state solution, ensuring the Palestinian people have a future independent state.
UAE and Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Role in Ukraine Peace Talks and Diplomacy
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have been mentioned as potential hosts for peace negotiations to end the Ukraine war, which is now in its third year. Saudi Arabia has also been considered a possible venue for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Such a development could enhance the diplomatic standing of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi hosted the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, where both Ukrainian and Russian representatives displayed weapons, highlighting the ongoing tensions despite diplomatic efforts.
The influx of Russian money into Dubai’s real estate market continues, with daily flights between the UAE and Moscow providing an escape route for Russians avoiding military conscription.
At the same time, many Ukrainians have also sought refuge in the UAE. Before concluding his trip, Rubio visited Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House, a cultural and religious landmark that includes a Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue, and an Islamic mosque. This visit underscored the UAE’s emphasis on religious tolerance amid global conflicts and political challenges.