The nation’s global clout visible in the flood of mourners
The congregation of political movers and shakers from around the world in Abu Dhabi is symbolic of the country’s undisputable status as a powerhouse, say analysts
rom France’s Emmanuel Macron to Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif to Palestine’s Mahmoud Abbas and Israel’s Isaac Herzog to Egypt’s Abdel Al Sisi, world leaders have made a beeline to greet the UAE’S new President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and offer condolences on the passing away of his brother.
The congregation of the political movers and shakers from the West, Asia, Africa as well as the Arab world descending on Abu Dhabi is symbolic of the UAE’S undisputable clout as a regional and global powerhouse, said analysts.
“Visits of world leader to the UAE to pay respect to the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan signifies the degree of respect to the legacy of his highness and that of his father before him,” Mohammed Baharoon, Director-general of Dubai Public Policy Research Centre, told Khaleej Times. “The responsibility the UAE shouldered in global issues ranging from health security, energy security, counter terrorism and supporting stability across the globe is the source of that sincere sign of respect the UAE has received.”
He said the commitment the UAE has shown its support in tackling global issues ranging from countering terrorism to providing humanitarian aid in disaster-stricken areas was notable. “The UAE has also been very true to its friends and partners either when they agree or when they disagree. I am confident that world leaders visiting Abu Dhabi will hear the same commitment from the UAE,” said Baharoon.
The meteoric rise of the UAE from an impoverished desert country to a global business and tourism hub, is seen by many due to a progressive vision and a dynamic leadership. By putting the oil money where the mouth is, the UAE, over the last 50 years, slowly and steadily built worldclass infrastructure, diversified its economy, and invested in education, technology, and innovation. While the UAE erected the tallest tower in the world and an island that could be spotted from outer space, it also built and expanded on its relationships and diplomatic muscle.
“In its 50 years since independence, the UAE has built a solid reputation as a team player — a country committed to cooperation and coordination between itself and other nations. Forging a solid network of friends and allies throughout the region has been a cornerstone of UAE foreign policy since its early years,” wrote Emirati writer and analyst Abdulkhaleq Abdulla in an essay titled the Rise of the United Arab Emirates’ in the Cairo Review.
“This commitment to political cooperation in the realm of foreign policy is consistent with the internal construction of the nation. The UAE itself is a result of political cooperation as it is a federation of seven semiindependent Emirates,” he said.
Over the years, he noted that the UAE has expanded its influence in the region and beyond. The UAE was ranked at the top in the Middle East in the Global Soft Power Index 2022 ranking of reputation and influence.
“Going from a local-centric state to a regional power and now to a global player has been the UAE’S trajectory over the past 50 years. For a country that only gained independence in 1971, this progress constitutes an impressive Arab success story,” he said.
While growing in its political and military strength, the country also showed the world what its soft power can achieve.
Omar Al Bussaidy, a non-resident fellow at Trends Research and Advisory, said the UAE has made concrete efforts to positioning itself as an international partner not only in politics, but also economics, culture, sports and other fields. “It is not only because of the things we do internally for the UAE, but also, the role we play regionally and internationally. For several years now, the UAE continues to be the largest humanitarian donor in the world.”
According to him, Expo 2020 Dubai that saw the participation of more than 200 countries, was a huge testament to what the UAE can achieve in bringing the whole world together.
“The Abraham Accords is a jewel in the UAE’S achievements in establishing peace in the region. We also mediated peace between long-term foes Ethiopia and Eretria.”
He said the UAE’S strong stand against all forms of extremism, its strong ties with the US for regional stability, its readiness to fight Daesh along with the US coalition are all factors that have earned the UAE global respect. “We have earned that respect through our actions,” said Bussaidy.
Going from a localcentric state to a regional power and now to a global player has been the UAE’S trajectory over the past 50 years. For a country that only gained independence in 1971, this progress constitutes an impressive Arab success story”