US pavilion discusses global partnerships in space exploration
The US pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai hosted a panel discussion, “Leveraging International Partnerships in Space Exploration”…repors Asian Lite News
The US pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai hosted a panel discussion, “Leveraging International Partnerships in Space Exploration”, attended by a range of specialist companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Jacobs Engineering Group.
The speakers discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between countries, governments and private sector companies in space exploration and the importance of such mission in solving the planet’s environmental and climate challenges.
EXPO 2020
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa, stressed that, before inking any international partnerships in the space sector, it is essential to understand the nature of the sector.
Dawne Hickton, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Critical Mission Solutions, Jacobs Engineering Group, highlighted the importance of cooperation to encouraging innovation, most notably among youth.
“Space discoveries will help deal with the climate and sustainability issue, which is critical for everyone and require all countries to collaborate to establish an ecosystem for environmental preservation, to reduce carbon emissions. When we launch advanced satellites, we will be able to observe what the planet is undergoing,” she added.
Allen Herbert, General Manager of StarLab Oasis, underscored the need to utilise space technology to solve food security and climate change issues, noting the Middle East and Africa is becoming a world leader in space exploration.
Robert Harward, CEO of Lockheed Martin Middle East, explained the model of cooperation of research universities in the field of space exploration.
“I believe that discussions, such as those taking place at Expo 2020 Dubai, will enable everyone to contribute in their own way,” he said, stressing his desire to see the whole world coming together to establish a comprehensive agreement on space exploration.
Expo 2020
A rare copy of the Holy Quran translation, once owned by the third US President of the Thomas Jefferson, is on display in the US pavilion.
Jefferson’s English translation of the Islamic holy book is one of the significant highlights of the Expo’s US Pavilion, themed “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future,” a riff on Jefferson’s famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence.
Library staff installed the two-volume, 1764 copy of the Quran in a secured case as the first object on display after guests emerge from a sound and light experience that showcases the U.S. founding principles, particularly its innovations.
“Thomas Jefferson was widely interested in and curious about a variety of religious perspectives,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has met Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai, at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
Al Tayer stressed the importance of promoting cooperation between DEWA and public and private American companies in clean and renewable energy and water, as well as enhancing bilateral relations through sharing global best practices and benchmarking between DEWA and American organisations.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai.
In his meeting with Gregonis, Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s key projects, initiatives and plans to achieve the vision of the wise leadership, to increase the share of clean and renewable energy. This is in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. DEWA is also harnessing all its capabilities to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies to contribute to making Dubai a smart city. This is achieved by providing the best government services. DEWA’s initiatives and projects aim to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness, especially in renewable and clean energy, sustainability, and green economy.
Al Tayer also highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. The Solar Park’s projects constitute one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Al Tayer also talked about the Green Hydrogen project, which DEWA commissioned at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. This is the first pilot project of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce green hydrogen, one of the most promising sources of energy and among the environmentally friendly sources, which constitute one of the pillars of a sustainable future that depends on accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality and achieve a green economy by developing green mobility, and reducing carbon emissions across various industries.
Al Tayer talked about the 250MW power plant using hydroelectric pumped storage technology in the mountainous area adjacent to the Hatta Dam. He also highlighted DEWA’s study to produce energy using wind power, in addition to the smart grids. DEWA has adopted a strategy to enhance energy efficiency. It also has a clear strategy for demand side management, which seeks to reduce electricity and water demand by 30% by 2030.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the USCENTCOM Commander discussed ways of strengthening relations…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received today at Qasr Al Shati, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Commander of the US Central Command (USCENTCOM).
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the USCENTCOM Commander discussed ways of strengthening relations of friendship,and joint cooperation and coordination between the UAE and US, particularly in defence and military fields.
Abu Dhabi
They also exchanged views on an array of issues of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bn Hamad bn Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America, Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, and Major General Saleh bin Megrin Al Ameri, Commander of Joint Operations.
Meanwhile, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer on Tuesday met with Meghan Gregonis, the US Consul General in Dubai, at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Al Tayer stressed the importance of promoting cooperation between DEWA and public and private American companies in clean and renewable energy and water, as well as enhancing bilateral relations through sharing global best practices and benchmarking between DEWA and American organisations.
In his meeting with Gregonis, Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s key projects, initiatives and plans to achieve the vision of the wise leadership, to increase the share of clean and renewable energy. This is in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
DEWA is also harnessing all its capabilities to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and disruptive technologies to contribute to making Dubai a smart city. This is achieved by providing the best government services. DEWA’s initiatives and projects aim to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness, especially in renewable and clean energy, sustainability, and green economy.
Al Tayer also highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. The Solar Park’s projects constitute one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Zalmay Khalilzad, who served as the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation since September 2018, has stepped down…reports Asian Lite News
Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Blinken said: “Thank you to Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for decades of tireless service to the United States. Pleased to welcome Thomas West to the role of Special Representative for Afghanistan.”
Zalmay Khalilzad.
TOLO News shared Khalilzad’s resignation letter to Blinken, in which the former diplomat wrote: “Today, our forces are out, the war is finally over for the United States and the very high financial costs of this engagement can now be directed to other vital needs. However, the political arrangement between the Afghan government and the Taliban did not go forward as envisaged.
“The reasons for this are too complex and I will share my thoughts in the coming days and weeks, after leaving government service.”
The move came two months after the hasty withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.
ZALMAY KHALILZAD: “I am of course saddened on behalf of the Afghan people that, despite our best efforts and extensive shuttle diplomacy on my part and that of the team as well as much urging from the international community, the Afghans failed to make use of this opportunity to end their 40-year conflict in a constructive spirit and with a fair compromise.”
Khalilzad, a leading US diplomat of Afghan-origin, has long been a controversial figure for his involvement in Washington’s ‘War on Terror’.
He also led Washington’s talks with the Taliban, which many see as the main precursor to the Pashtun-dominated group’s lightning victory in Afghanistan, TRT World reported.
After the Taliban’s surprisingly quick victory against the US-trained Afghan army, many government operators and experts can’t help but speculate on Washington’s role, particularly that of Khalilzad, in the Afghan group’s return to power.
Zalmay Khalilzad
Some other experts further believe that Khalilzad pursued a “special political agenda” to promote his personal and family interests.
“One man responsible for the chaos and destruction raging across Afghanistan is Zalmay Khalilzad. He should be investigated for alleged financial corruption,” says Kamal Alam, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.
In 2014, Khalilzad’s finances were subject to an Austrian investigation which froze his wife’s accounts in the European country based on information from the US Department of Justice that he was suspected of money laundering related to business activities in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“This man wanted to be the president of Afghanistan. He ran to be the president of Afghanistan. No one likes him. Everyone hates him,” Alam tells TRT World.
Moqtada al-Sadr set conditions to deal with the US if he takes office
Iraq’s prominent Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has set several conditions to deal with the US if his Sadrist Movement takes office…reports Asian Lite News
One of the conditions is that the diplomatic relations between the US and Iraq should be “state-to-state with full sovereignty”, al-Sadr tweeted on Saturday, after his party appeared the frontrunner in the October 10 parliamentary elections.
Al-Sadr noted that the talks should be serious about the US troops’ withdrawal from Iraq.
Moqtada al-Sadr set conditions to deal with the US if he takes office
He also called on Washington not to interfere in internal affairs and to keep Iraq away from the regional conflicts.
On Monday, the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the preliminary results of the elections, with the Sadrist Movement in the lead with more than 70 seats.
The Iraqi parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for 2022, were held in advance in response to months of protests against corruption, poor governance, and a lack of public services.
Sheikh Abdullah said he will soon visit Israel at the invitation of the Israeli Foreign Minister…reports Asian Lite News
UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the UAE, US and Israel have agreed on establishing two new working groups; with one focusing on religious coexistence and the other on water and energy issues.
The UAE top diplomat made the statements as he met in Washington the Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, UAE
The meeting covered the progress achieved one year following the signing of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement by the UAE and Israel as well as the prospects of consolidating bilateral cooperation in several areas of common interest. The three top diplomats also explored a number of regional and international developments.
Sheikh Abdullah said the three-way meeting reflects the US’s commitment to build bridges of cooperation between two nations that are “committed to achieving advancement and development.”
“Our presence here today reaffirms our commitment to the necessity of changing the prevailing conditions in the region in the right direction,” Sheikh Abdullah noted.
“We have succeeded in establishing a nation that respects values and recognises tolerance and co-existence,” he said, stressing that the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement is a catalyst for establishing peace in the region.
He added that he would soon visit Israel at the invitation of the Israeli Foreign Minister. “I will visit Israel soon in order to meet our friends and partners. We need to not only celebrate this bilateral relationship, but also to look forward to wider prospects of cooperation between the two nations.’’ He added that there could be no talk of peace in the Middle East if Israel and the Palestinians were not “on talking terms”.
“Therefore, we’re happy to see over the past weeks Israeli officials meet with their Palestinian counterparts. We have to continue encouraging them to do so. We believe that the UAE-Israeli relations have enabled us to be frank with each other and helped us to encourage others whenever there are something we can do.”
“We’re impressed with the growing relationship with Israel. We always rely on our friends in the United States of America. This is an important thing for us. And we need to look forward to wider prospects of cooperation between the UAE and Israel in several fields.”
On Yemen, Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE is always discussing the conditions in Yemen. “We should recall that it’s the lack of commitment on the part of Houthis that drew us to the situation in Yemen. We’re working hard and diligently with our friends to put an end to the Yemeni crisis and to ensure Yemenis will enjoy a better life.”
He emphasised that the UAE will never accept a Hizbollah-style entity on the borders of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The Houthis have managed to increasingly reinforce their presence in a manner similar to that of Hizbollah. We certainly want to put an end to this dispute and to work with the international community on a plan to ensure reconstruction of Yemen. Neither do we want to see in Yemen a situation similar to that in South Lebanon,” he continued.
For his part, the US Secretary of State emphasised his country’s strong support for the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement between the UAE and Israel, noting the importance of working for delivering a bright future for the peoples of the Middle East region.
He underlined the importance of ensuring peaceful coexistence in the region, noting that diplomacy will remain the preferred option to end all conflicts.
The US top diplomat lauded the UAE’s 2050 net-zero initiative as well Israel’s endeavours to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2050 as well.
For his part, the Israeli Foreign Minister said his country is seeking to make the peace agreements signed recently a source of inspiration for other nations to follow suit, noting that the Israeli-UAE partnership is based on co-existence, economic prosperity and countering terrorism and extremism.
UAE, US, Israel announce new working groups
“There are leaders in the Middle East who believe that we can change the course of history together in order to achieve peace,” he said, noting that Israel is endeavouring to expand the scope of peace agreements in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah then held a bilateral meeting with Blinken where the two top diplomats discussed ways of advancing the longstanding strategic partnership and expanding the prospects of joint cooperation. They also stressed the importance of working for finding lasting solutions that will achieve security and stability in the region.
He affirmed the depth of ties between the UAE and US and their commitment to leveraging their joint strategic partnership and developing bilateral cooperation in all fields as well as working together to solidify foundations of security, stability and peace and realise prosperity for peoples in the region.
The UAE top diplomat commended the outcome of the trilateral meeting, underscoring the significance of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement for opening up a new chapter of cooperation between the states in the region and for delivering the aspirations of the peoples for development, stability and prosperity.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry thanked the UAE for using Expo 2020 Dubai “to draw attention to the world’s shared responsibility to address the climate crisis”, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The UAE has been receiving applauds from leaders all across the world after it announced Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making the Emirates the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nation to do so.
John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, led congratulations from world leaders and prominent environmental policy-makers to the UAE for its Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, calling it an “incredibly important” step in combating climate change.
UAE flag
John Kerry said: “My heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the UAE for its incredibly important Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative. As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a nation later this year, this mid-century net-zero goal sets out a very powerful vision for your next exciting decades ahead.
“I know this announcement is the result of serious substantive work by many and it sets an example for other major energy exporters to follow. I look forward to working with the UAE turn this goal into a reality.”
Kerry also thanked the UAE for using Expo 2020 Dubai “to draw attention to the world’s shared responsibility to address the climate crisis”.
He said: “This work that we all have to do must accelerate in this critical decade – a decade that will make or break our ability to realise our 2050 goals.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also welcomed the announcement, on Twitter: “Fantastic news that the UAE has become the first Gulf country to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. This is a significant step in tackling climate change, and I hope more countries commit to net zero ahead of COP26.”
This UAE is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to commit to such an initiative. The pledge was announced at Expo 2020 on Thursday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said: “We are committed to seize the opportunity to cement our leadership on climate change within our region and take this key economic opportunity to drive development, growth and new jobs as we pivot our economy and nation to net zero.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also tweeted his happiness at the UAE’s pledge: “I welcome the announcement by the United Arab Emirates of its intention to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. I look forward to the UAE submitting a new Climate Action plan in line with this ambitious vision and encourage other Gulf states to follow this example ahead of COP26.”
US, UK laud UAE for Net Zero 2050 initiative
COP26 President Alok Sharma tweeted: “I am delighted the UAE has announced it will reach net zero carbon by 2050. As the first net zero-carbon commitment in the Gulf, this is an historic announcement.”
The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement, which calls on countries to prepare long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 C compared to pre-industrial levels.
The deployment and use of clean energy solutions is one of the main pillars of the UAE’s model of addressing the challenge of climate change and reducing GHG emissions. The country began financing clean energy projects more than 15 years ago, and has invested over US$40 billion in the sector to date. Current trends predict the production capacity of clean energy, including solar and nuclear, to reach 14 GW by 2030, up from about 100 MW in 2015 and 2.4 GW in 2020.
In 2017, the country launched the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017-2050, which sets out a framework for managing GHG emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and diversifying the economy through innovation.
In December 2020, the nation submitted its second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Secretariat of the UNFCCC, which entailed raising its climate ambition through several measures, including strengthening its efforts to reduce emissions by 23.5 percent compared to business as usual for the year 2030.
The UAE supports green infrastructure and clean energy projects worldwide, and has invested in renewable energy ventures worth around US$16.8 billion in 70 countries with a focus on developing nations. It has also provided more than US$400 million in aid and soft loans for clean energy projects.
The UAE now enjoys the world’s lowest-cost solar power and is home to three of the largest solar facilities in the world. It is also the first country in the region to deploy nuclear power and to develop industrial-scale carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).
The powerful theme celebrates the people, ideas, and American contributions that have changed and improved lives in the United States and around the world…writes Binal Abdulkader
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will share “the American spirit of freedom” that inspires people to create and innovate, according to a top US official.
“America was built on freedom, which has attracted generations of people to create and to innovate. This spirit endures and thrives today, and we look forward to sharing our story with Expo visitors,” said Robert Clark, Commissioner General of the US Pavilion.
Robert Clark, Commissioner General of the US Pavilion
In an exclusive interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Thursday, he added, “The USA Pavilion will safely welcome millions in-person and online as we tell the story of ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future.’ This powerful theme celebrates the people, ideas, and American contributions that have changed and improved lives in the United States and around the world.”
Own success story of American values
Clark revealed that his own life was an example of realising those values. “Throughout my life in the United States, I have witnessed these values in action. Over 35 years ago, I started a construction company with a team of two – myself and one employee. Through dedication to customer service, positive outcomes, and community engagement, we grew from two to 3,000 employees, constructing some of America’s most remarkable buildings,” he said.
“I am convinced that my country’s embrace of liberty and individuality paved the path for me and many others to determine our own futures,” the Commissioner General stressed.
He was quite impressed by Dubai’s ambience after landing in the city during the weekend.
Dubai’s safe and vibrant ambience
“This past weekend, my wife Jane and I arrived in Dubai, the city we will call home for the next six months. I have been struck by the safe and vibrant atmosphere, a welcome feeling as the city prepares to host the largest global event to take place during the pandemic. Expo 2020 Dubai will bring visitors from near and far, and I am so proud to be a part of it.”
Having seen the Expo grounds, he is in awe of what the government of the United Arab Emirates has accomplished. “They have transformed the sands of the desert into a thriving World’s Fair site, complete with spaces for 192 nations to connect and to shape our collective future. I commend the leaders of the UAE, who have implemented a robust precautionary program to ensure the safety of all visitors. We will work hand in hand with our Emirati partners to ensure we maintain the highest safety standards at the USA Pavilion.”
Talking about the unique features of the US pavilion, Clark pointed out Thomas Jefferson’s copy of the Quran, which will leave the United States for the first time from its home at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
A Martian meteorite; an actual piece of the Moon; and a one-to-one replica of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket are the other unique attractions, he added.
About his priorities as the Commissioner General, he said, “I will devote myself to creating opportunities for others – particularly for American companies which are eager to engage with new markets through the Expo platform.
“As a crossroads in the region, Dubai is especially well-placed to bring together companies and customers to create new opportunities for growth. At the USA Pavilion, we will welcome business delegations from American cities and states, as they explore partnerships for investment and development with global counterparts.”
Expo 2020 Dubai
Youth ambassadors represent US diversity
Clark believes that the youth ambassadors at the pavilion will act as America’s cultural ambassadors.
“While I was in Washington, D.C., I was pleased to meet with our USA Pavilion Youth Ambassadors during their orientation. These 75 young Americans are the ‘Faces of America’ serving as greeters and guides. Youth Ambassadors will create an authentic and engaging experience for Pavilion visitors from all over the world.”
He added, “They represent the diversity, culture, and values of America and hail from 47 states, territories and districts of the United States. Their excitement and enthusiasm for Expo is energising, and it will be evident to visitors. I am also excited by our cultural programme, from song and dance to food and sports, over 250 American artists will engage with Expo visitors.”
The Commissioner General emphasised that, “The Expo is more than a moment in time – it is a call to action and a promise of what we can create when the world comes together. I am proud to represent the United States and to lead the USA Pavilion as we champion, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Future” at Expo 2020 Dubai.”
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Sullivan discussed the UAE-US strategic ties and ways of developing and strengthening them across various sectors…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received on Tuesday Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, who is currently on a tour of several countries in the region.
Jake Sullivan
During the meeting, which took place at Al Shati’ Palace, Sheikh Mohamed and Sullivan discussed the UAE-US strategic ties and ways of developing and strengthening them across various sectors.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser was present during the meeting.
They also exchanged views on regional developments and collaboration towards promoting peace and stability in the region.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports Company; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; Yousuf Mani Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States; Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Crown Prince’s Court of Abu Dhabi; and the accompanying delegation of the US National Security Advisor.
The UK is eagerly trying to find an ally in the Gulf region, which could guarantee its interests and contain any threat to it not just in the region but beyond in other Arab states too…reports Asian Lite News
The withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan before the deadline has dealt a severe blow to the special relationship between the US and UK and also the EU member states. They insist that the withdrawal before time was a hasty decision and their view was not taken on-board. They also base their criticism of US President Joe Bidens decision on the inputs by both the British and other countries intelligence that such an action might end up in chaos, and the subsequent events leading to the rout by the Taliban forces in Afghanistan, proved their point.
In this scenario the UK is eagerly trying to find an ally in the Gulf region, which could guarantee its interests and contain any threat to it not just in the region but beyond in other Arab states too.
UAE flag
The British leaders seems to have identified an ally which fits this profile, and who is better equipped to help the UK surmount this problem. He is Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Intelligence sharing between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK has helped save British lives and the country is seen as a regional-leader in combating terrorist finance and extremist propaganda.
The events in Afghanistan affected the long-term special relationship enjoyed between Britain and the UAE, but in a positive direction. In a statement, Britain’s ambassador in Abu Dhabi has said that the evacuation of UK citizens from Kabul was made possible by the assistance of the UAE which provided a staging airport as well as support from across government ministries.
Dubai over the past 30 years or so has been transformed by engineering, finance and enterprise, aided not least by Britain’s distinctive connections with the territory and its people since the early 1800s a century and a half before the formation of the Emirates of the present.
Around 200,000 Britons live in the UAE and more than a million visit each year, for business or tourism. The UAE is Britain’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, and the UK is the UAE’s third biggest partner in non-oil commodities trade. Britain is one of the largest investors in the UAE, which also has many major investments here.
Britain played a key role in establishing the UAE and its military forces which originated in the British-led Trucial Oman Scouts. UAE forces also fought with in the 1990-91 Gulf War along with the US coalition and with NATO forces in Kosovo. It was also the only Arab nation, which deployed troops in Afghanistan during the 20-year US-led campaign, conducting combat operations alongside other coalition forces and providing significant humanitarian aid.
Besides assisting the British evacuation from Kabul, the UAE Air Force played a major role of its own in the operation, and the country is now hosting thousands of Afghan refugees.
Due to the threatening bloom of jihadist forces in Afghanisatn, Britain’s alliance with the UAE will become increasingly important. Some key portfolios in the new Afghan government have been entrusted to hardened terrorists Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, Britain’s lead agency on countering terrorism, warned last week of a greater threat to the UK in the coming months and years following withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In this scenario no other world leader is better equipped to help understand and contain this rising threat to Britain and its international interests than Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the greatest adversary of radical Islamism in the Arab world.
Sheikh Mohammed helped stem the escalating regional challenge of the Muslim Brotherhood from Egypt; UAE forces combated Al Shabab in Somalia, supported the Libyan National Army against its Islamist opponents and fought against Islamic State in Syria and Iran-sponsored Houthi insurgents, Al Qaeda and the Islamic State in Yemen.
Perhaps due to this newfound love for the UAE, Lord Trimble, former First Minister of Northern Ireland and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has nominated Mohammed bin Zayed for the same award in recognition of his “historic achievements in advancing peace in the Middle East”.
Britain does not agree with all UAE foreign policies for example its support for Assad in Syria, which UAE views as a prop against Islamists as well as Turkish and Iranian aggression in Syria.
British and UAE intelligence services are close. Intelligence provided by the UAE has helped save British lives and the country is a regional-leader in combatting terrorist finance and extremist propaganda, including on the Internet. The Emirates actively share its de-radicalisation programmes and ideas with allies across the Arab world, the West and countries such as India.
UK’s anxiety
Britain faces a growing de-radicalisation response, with tens of thousands on its watch lists, a growing jihadi prison population and increasing radicalisation in its universities.
The Arab disenchantment with the US over its earlier withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iranian aggression in the region and a growing nuclear threat, have forced many leaders that the Biden administration is no longer a dependable ally. This could cause some to turn increasingly towards China or Russia; both already active in the region and on the lookout for opportunities to further strengthen their hold over the region.
The other option for protection which many Arab countries might not favour but a far better one from the West’s point of view is Israel, which has the most powerful military in the Middle East and the will to use it when necessary.
In recent times the change in Arab stance towards Israel was made possible by the Abraham Accords, which publicly opened the path for increased cooperation, and here too the single most important player was the UAE.
The Biden administration does not seem to much enthused by the Abraham Accords, and the best bet to the UK and other western countries in this scenario seems to be looking to the UAE’s leadership to further strengthen and broaden the regional security cooperation to guard their interests.
