The Evolution of UAE Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of the United Arab Emirates has one fundamental goal: the enhancement through its dealings with foreign governments, individuals and organizations of the prosperity, stability, power and independence of the country and its citizens. In this general sense, UAE foreign policy is similar to that of other countries. There are, however, two factors that distinguish UAE foreign policy, both in conception and in execution. First, policy is affected, and to some extent restricted, by a unique set of objective circumstances: the size and composition of its population, its geographical location and its natural resources and wealth. Secondly, since the seven-member UAE federation was established in 1971, it has been presided over by the same leadership, permitting the bringing of an unusual – and admired – degree of both experience and consistency to bear in terms of its foreign policy. Throughout the last three decades, the continuity and consistency of foreign policy has reflected the perceptions held by the leadership of the world about them and of the best interests of country and people. Choices made in the sphere of domestic policy have also had an impact on foreign policy. This can be seen, for example, in the competing claims for expenditure of the defence budget and economic and social development and in the adoption of the choices of conciliation rather than confrontation as an approach to the resolution of disputes. This chapter will examine the objective conditions within which the UAE leadership operates and the choices that have been made, in order to show the fundamental characteristics of the UAE’s foreign policy.