Analyst: Abu Dhabi curbs visible ties with Israel amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

Abu Dhabi is actively seeking to avoid appearing overly cooperative with Israel, according to Federico Donelli, an analyst and Assistant Professor of International Relations at the University of Trieste. His assessment comes as the United Arab Emirates navigates heightened geopolitical friction, particularly regarding Israel’s conduct in the region.

Donelli provided this analysis to FRANCE 24, stating that the UAE government is keen to manage its diplomatic image in light of ongoing regional hostilities. He noted that Abu Dhabi does not want to be seen as too closely aligned with Israel given the current trajectory of Israeli actions.

The commentary emerges against a backdrop of renewed escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. On Thursday, a ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates coast was seized, marking a significant development in the maritime security landscape. The incident has contributed to broader concerns about stability in the waterway, which is a critical artery for global energy supplies.

Complicating the diplomatic environment are conflicting reports regarding a purported secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE. Netanyahu had announced that he had quietly visited the country during the ongoing Israeli-U.S. engagement with Iran. However, the UAE government swiftly denied that such a visit occurred, creating a dispute over the nature of bilateral interactions.

The situation underscores the delicate balancing act Abu Dhabi must perform. While maintaining strategic interests, the UAE appears cautious about overt displays of cooperation with Israel, especially as tensions involving Iran and regional military engagements continue to evolve. Donelli’s observations highlight the pressure on Emirati policymakers to navigate these complex relations without exacerbating regional instability.