Anwar Gargash emphasizes UAE-Saudi security ties at Manama Dialogue

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, stated at the 22nd Manama Dialogue that the security and stability of Saudi Arabia are inseparable from the security of the UAE. Speaking at the forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Gargash described the relationship with Saudi Arabia as highly strategic, regardless of current bilateral challenges.

Gargash expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain following recent attacks on civilian infrastructure and airports. He noted that any threat to these nations directly impacts the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. He also criticized the collective ability of GCC nations to address major crises, noting that trust in their collective capacity has often proven hollow.

Addressing regional tensions, Gargash warned that the divergence between US and Iranian positions creates significant uncertainty. While he emphasized that the UAE does not believe a military solution is viable, he cautioned that security is not guaranteed if political initiatives fail to bridge existing gaps. He called for a diplomatic breakthrough to prevent new rounds of confrontation and urged the rebuilding of trust within the Gulf.