HOW THE UAE HAS GROWN INTO A POWER ON THE WORLD STAGE

▶ The first part of a groundbreaking series charts this country’s emergence at top table of nations

Evidence of the UAE’s leading position was very much on show this year, with the UAE passport becoming the world’s most powerful

The National is running a series of articles examining the impact of the growing diplomatic strength of the UAE.

Developments over the past 12 months have augmented the UAE’s already strong position as it heads into 2019 and the Year of Tolerance, which will include a visit by Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi in February.

Diplomatic efforts have included a focus on soft power through cultural ties, the Dubai Expo 2020’s influence on international logistics and connectivity, the increased co-operation with allies in the Arab world on regional security and closer trade, and business links with powers such as China and France.

Evidence of the UAE’s leading position was very much on show this year with, for example, the country’s passport this month being ranked as the world’s most powerful.

Our special coverage on diplomacy includes analysis of critical relations with Washington, the UAE’s position within the GCC, the influence of its role in the conflict in Yemen and the humanitarian work it is doing there.

Also in the region, Iraq is becoming an increasingly important ally, in particular with regards to containing the threat posed by Iran. Supporting the Palestinians in their efforts to find a sustainable peace with Israel has also been a feature of the UAE’s recent diplomatic work.

A watershed moment this year was the state visit by China’s President Xi Jinping, and the UAE’s ambassador to Beijing tells us that this will result in more frequent engagement between the two countries.

Also, beyond the Middle East, we explore the strengthening links with countries in the Horn of Africa and their importance for maritime trade and security.

A year on from the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, we find that cultural ties with France and other nations have been augmented to help promote tolerance and understanding between cultures and religions.

We also mark that there are just two years left until the Dubai Expo and that engagement with the many nations that are keen to be part of this future-shaping event has also supported the UAE’s growing position in the world.

stop threatening the US, was informed by a strategic calculation: the Iranian regime understands and fears the US military might.”

States are also in competition with malign actors. The 2018 Strategic Review by the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London devotes a chapter to the effects of technological change on global power structures.

It notes that exploitation of data by volume has become the key frontier for developing artificial intelligence technology. It also reminds policymakers of the importance of contesting the public space.

“The information age has witnessed a resurrection of ideology – not just China’s version of Marxism, but also Islamism and right-wing ideologies – and increasing competition between narratives,” the review said.

“Extremist groups such as ISIS have made effective use of social media to spread their ideology.”

With an eye on the future, Mr Bjola asked if diplomats were ready for the onset of 5G digital communications, which will make possible concepts such as virtual embassies and augmented reality diplomacy.

While the range of themes at the forefront of international relations is broadening and technology is transforming delivery tools, hard choices in strategy have not gone away.

The UAE has significantly shifted its strategic ambitions for better ties with large global players such as China and Russia, as well as seeking to strengthen its role in the Horn of Africa, including the Bab Al Mandeb and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Sweden talks on the Yemen conflict set the stage for next year to mark a new start for all sides in the conflict. and for the UAE’s efforts to restore state institutions, deliver humanitarian assistance and promote reconstruction to move to the fore.

“All things considered, it could not have got off to a better start,” said David Roberts of the Defence Studies department of Kings College, London.

“There is such major pressure to get this process up and running, the fighting wrapped up and to a new phase of the post-conflict era reconstruction – something where there has been a strong Emirati role.”

The International Crisis Group, a Brussels think tank, has published a brief that looks at the potential significance of a year when Sheikh Mohamed hosted a reconciliation summit between long-term rivals Eritrea and Ethiopia.

“The influence of, and competition among, Gulf states could reshape Horn geopolitics,” the report said. “Gulf leaders can nudge their African counterparts toward peace; the UAE and Saudi Arabia helped along the recent Eritrea-Ethiopia rapprochement,” the report said.

Mr Roberts said the UAE role in fostering the reconciliation would become clearer as more progress on overcoming differences in the region emerge next year.

Another report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, based in Washington, pointed to the importance of combining commercial interests and statecraft to underpin growing ties.

“The opening of the border and the booming infrastructure needs in Ethiopia will generate important investment opportunities,” Ms Lons wrote.

“DP World is looking to help develop the commercial port of Assab, and in August the UAE announced a pipeline project linking Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to Assab in Eritrea.

“This will provide the Emiratis and Saudis with better access to Ethiopia’s agricultural production, which is key to their food security.”

In today’s world, we need the common heritage of humanity to unite peoples and nations SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces