The UAE and the Palestinian Cause: A Historic Commitment in Action and Diplomacy
The United Arab Emirates views support for the Palestinian cause not as a political choice, but as a moral and humanitarian duty rooted in the foundational principles of the state.
This belief has been a pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy since its establishment, manifesting in consistent support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people — foremost among them, the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state, in accordance with international legitimacy.
UAE’s Vision Reflected in Diplomacy
In an op-ed published in Al-Ittihad newspaper, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the country’s firm commitment to Palestine and called on the international community to take tangible steps toward establishing a Palestinian state and achieving a just and dignified peace grounded in international law.
He stressed that recognizing the State of Palestine is no longer a political preference, but a legal, ethical, and humanitarian necessity aligned with the principles of the United Nations and the values the global community strives to uphold.
A comprehensive peace, he emphasized, requires a serious international will to revive the stalled political process and pursue the two-state solution as the only realistic path to security and stability.
Welcoming International Recognition
The UAE has welcomed recent announcements by several countries of their intent to recognize the State of Palestine. Sheikh Abdullah described this as a “historic shift” that reflects growing global awareness of the justice of the Palestinian cause and a vital step toward reviving long-dormant peace efforts.
Official recognition is expected to be announced at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September — an event Sheikh Abdullah described as a “pivotal moment in ending one of the longest-running conflicts in modern history.”
He called for a collective, responsible international effort to safeguard Palestinian rights and to build a just, lasting peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Diplomatic Engagements
In addition to its political position, the UAE has engaged in intense diplomatic activity to rally international support.
Last week, it took part in a high-level international conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the implementation of the two-state solution.
There, the UAE laid out a comprehensive vision that included:
- Creating the political will to view the two-state solution as the only realistic path to sustainable peace;
- Developing a clear roadmap toward establishing a sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel;
- Structural reforms in governance and security, ensuring a legitimate, effective Palestinian Authority able to maintain law and order;
- Regional and international cooperation to combat extremism, break the cycle of violence, and promote development for all peoples of the region, including both Palestinians and Israelis.
Humanitarian Bridges to Gaza
Alongside its political and diplomatic efforts, the UAE continues to play a vital humanitarian role — especially in Gaza, amid the ongoing catastrophe.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid, noting that the UAE has been at the forefront of relief efforts, providing over 44% of total international aid to Gaza since the onset of the crisis through its “Gallant Knight 3” initiative by land, air, and sea.
The UAE has led airdrop operations in the most devastated areas and encouraged countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium to join. In just the past week, the UAE has delivered over 4,300 tons of aid and launched projects to ensure access to clean water and vital services.
Healthcare has also been a priority, with the operation of an Emirati field hospital and a floating hospital offering advanced medical services to reinforce the local health system.
A Steadfast Vision, Rooted in Principle
The minister stressed that these efforts stem from the UAE’s enduring commitment, reflecting the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and carried forward today by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — who believes that standing with the Palestinian people is a moral obligation guided by values, not political calculations.
A Call to the International Community
Sheikh Abdullah made a heartfelt appeal to countries that have yet to recognize Palestine to reconsider their positions, stating that such recognition is not merely a legal step, but a critical investment in the region’s future — a foundation for peaceful coexistence, security, and prosperity.
The UAE reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s aspirations and working with regional and global partners to end the conflict and build a just and inclusive peace — one founded on justice, dignity, tolerance, and mutual respect.
