UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed reshapes Middle East power balance after Gaza war

President Mohammed bin Zayed has pursued a two‑decade strategy to turn the United Arab Emirates into a global actor whose influence rests on diplomacy, investment, technology, infrastructure and post‑conflict reconstruction rather than sheer military size. The Abraham Accords with Israel in 2020 were a key element of this vision, aiming to create economic, scientific and security ties that lower the risk of confrontation.

The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza altered regional dynamics, highlighting the shift from traditional military metrics to broader statecraft. Abu Dhabi seeks to link East and West, work with partners of divergent interests and convert its economic weight into geopolitical leverage while navigating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and renewed focus on the Palestinian issue.

The conflict also heightened security concerns for Israel, including clashes with Hezbollah along its northern border, underscoring the broader regional stakes that the UAE’s new diplomatic approach must address.