ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Foreign Relations of the UAE

The foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates, established by its founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is characterized by wisdom and moderation. It is based on a fixed strategic framework that includes adherence to the UN Charter and respect for international treaties and laws.

Emirati Islands

Based on its consistent approach to external relations, which emphasizes peaceful coexistence, good neighborliness, mutual respect, and commitment to cooperation, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and resorting to peaceful means to resolve international disputes, as well as a desire to eliminate all sources of tension in the region, and to promote confidence-building measures and compliance with international law, the UAE continues its efforts to restore its sovereignty over its three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. These islands were occupied by Iran on the eve of the establishment of the UAE on December 2, 1971.

Middle East

Kuwait

The bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have been marked by outstanding achievements that have directly contributed to establishing and advancing these relations, whether at the bilateral level or through the GCC's journey. These relations were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Ahmad Al-Sabah, in a framework of brotherly relations that have been consolidated over decades and strengthened since their meeting in 1973.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai. The UAE also has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are neighboring countries with a long history of friendly relations.

Iran

The relations between Iran and the UAE have deteriorated significantly over the past few decades, with tensions over three islands in the Persian Gulf: Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. Both the UAE and Iran have confirmed that they are trying to find a solution to this issue based on international law, as is the case with the Iranian nuclear program. Both countries demand adherence to the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The UAE has officially stated its preference for not interfering in the Iranian nuclear program, provided that Iran continues to reassure the international community that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Both countries call for the removal of all WMDs from the Middle East.

The outstanding disputes are:

* The UAE disputes Iran's sovereignty over two islands in the Persian Gulf: Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb.
* Iran considers these islands an integral part of itself.
* These islands have been under Iranian control since November 1971, following the departure of British forces from the Persian Gulf, a few days before the UAE declared its independence on December 2, 1971.
* The UAE disputes Iran's sovereignty over Abu Musa Island, which was agreed upon in a memorandum of understanding in 1971 to be jointly administered by Iran for civil affairs in the southern part of the island. The island was under Iranian control until Britain took control of it in 1908. In the late 1960s, Britain transferred administration of the island to the Sharjah Emirate, which was one of the seven emirates that would later form the UAE. On November 30, 1971 (two days before the official establishment of the UAE), Iran and Sharjah signed a memorandum of understanding to administer part of the island.

Note: The translation is direct from Arabic to English, without any additional commentary or explanations.