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Behind the Façade of Tolerance: How the UAE Became a Regional Power

Samar Faisal- Saudi Journalist
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Published on 15.01.2025
Reading time: 6 minutes

Recently, the UAE’s role came under sharp scrutiny when it pressured Lebanese authorities to hand over poet Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish national. This unlawful and unconstitutional act sparked widespread criticism and concerns, showcasing the UAE’s disregard for the repercussions of such actions on its international reputation.


In 2016, the United Arab Emirates established the Ministry of Tolerance, a symbolic move that the government claimed aimed to promote the values of coexistence and respect for others. However, the reality of the past decade starkly contrasts this idealistic image.

Today, the UAE has become one of the most concerning countries in the Middle East due to its increasing regional roles that rely on repression and interference in the affairs of other states under the pretext of regional security. This involvement has extended to collaborating with armed militias in Yemen and Sudan accused of committing massacres and numerous violations.

While Iran has been viewed as a regional power using militias and affiliated armed groups to achieve its goals, the UAE has adopted similar and even more diverse tools, including financial influence, secret diplomacy, media, technology, and lobbying in major capitals. These strategies have made the UAE’s role more influential but have also drawn widespread criticism as its overt and covert influence escalates in numerous crises.

Recently, the UAE’s role came under sharp scrutiny when it pressured Lebanese authorities to hand over poet Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish national. This unlawful and unconstitutional act sparked widespread criticism and concerns, showcasing the UAE’s disregard for the repercussions of such actions on its international reputation.

Neither Turkey nor Qatar was able to halt or condemn this scene, leaving the UAE appearing as the dominant power in the region, particularly given its solid alliance with both the United States and Israel.

The UAE’s Role in the Arab Uprisings

The transformations witnessed in the UAE began during the Arab Spring, when protests triggered the country’s fears of these revolutions spilling over. The UAE expressed reservations about the uprisings and criticized Qatar’s role at the time. Quickly aligning itself with what became known as the “counter-revolutions,” the UAE sought to exert influence through media, politics, and security in countries that experienced uprisings, leveraging its financial and political clout.

In Tunisia, the UAE bolstered its influence by supporting President Kais Saied’s regime, which took measures undermining the achievements of the Tunisian revolution, such as freezing the parliament and consolidating personal power by sidelining opponents and silencing the press and critics. In Egypt, the UAE’s role was evident in providing financial and political support to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s regime, which came to power through a military coup, strengthening the military’s control while curbing freedoms of expression and protest.

Despite these financial deals, Egypt faces an unprecedented economic collapse, with these funds failing to translate into improved living conditions for Egyptians and instead bolstering El-Sisi’s grip on power.

In Sudan, Emirati interventions complicated the political and humanitarian situation by supporting conflicting factions, prolonging the crisis. In Gaza, the ramifications of Gulf-Israeli normalization deals continue to affect the besieged territory, especially with the potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump, a key supporter of these agreements and architect of the Abraham Accords.

In Yemen, the UAE played a pivotal role in the war, not limiting its intervention to military action but focusing on controlling the south by supporting separatists, leaving Saudi Arabia to face prolonged attrition against the Houthis. The UAE has also shown interest in dominating Socotra Island, transforming it into a tourist destination under its direct control.

The UAE as a Regional Enforcer

Over the past decade, the UAE has emerged as a regional power rivaling Saudi Arabia’s traditional leadership of the Arab and Islamic world. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed has positioned himself as a powerful regional leader, significantly influencing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is believed that bin Zayed played a critical role in pushing bin Salman toward taking risky steps, such as leading the war in Yemen and spearheading the blockade against Qatar.

Bin Zayed’s influence on bin Salman extended beyond external affairs to domestic matters. Reports suggest that bin Zayed was aware that bin Salman’s consolidation of power required weakening his internal rivals. He encouraged bin Salman to launch a wide-ranging crackdown, including the detention of many princes and ministers, most notably former Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, considered one of bin Salman’s key rivals. The crackdown also targeted prominent figures such as Adel Fakih, the former Minister of Economy and Planning, and his closest consultants.

The Ritz-Carlton arrests of 2017 were pivotal in strengthening bin Salman’s control but simultaneously increased his reliance on bin Zayed’s “guidance” after eliminating experienced advisors. This isolation left bin Salman more vulnerable to Emirati influence.

Signs of UAE-Saudi Strains

Recently, as signs of a rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have begun to emerge, Saudi Arabia has released a number of detainees who were previously considered fabricated adversaries of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his policies. This move seems to reflect bin Salman’s belated recognition of the mistakes he made under the influence of Mohammed bin Zayed.

One of the most notable releases was that of prominent human rights activist Mohammed Al-Qahtani, who had been imprisoned for 12 years. Although Al-Qahtani’s detention predates King Salman and his son’s rule, he endured harsh conditions during the latter years of his imprisonment. His release, which came two years after completing his sentence, is a striking step suggesting Saudi Arabia’s attempt to rectify some past missteps. However, significant figures remain imprisoned, including prominent clerics Salman Al-Ouda and Awad Al-Qarni.

This shift coincides with deteriorating UAE-Saudi ties, as Riyadh reassesses its regional alliances, including mending relations with Qatar and reducing its dependence on the UAE. However, rectifying these missteps requires time and significant sacrifices.

Continued Repression Beyond Borders

Despite tensions with Saudi Arabia, the UAE appears determined to expand its influence, disregarding criticism. The arrest of Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi by Emirati authorities is a glaring example, as the UAE compelled Lebanon to hand him over, sparking widespread discontent.

Ironically, if UAE-Saudi relations remained strong, the UAE might have influenced bin Salman to carry out a similar arrest, preserving its image regionally and internationally. However, with strained ties, the UAE unhesitatingly assumed full responsibility for this repressive act.

The arrest of Al-Qaradawi, which blatantly violates international conventions, is far from an isolated incident. It was preceded by the detention of Asim Ghafour, the American lawyer of Jamal Khashoggi, over two years ago while transiting through Dubai Airport. Ghafour was held for several weeks before being released.

These recurring incidents reflect the UAE’s cross-border repressive policies, showcasing the extent of its influence in the region. While such actions may appear unusual or even surprising to some, those closely following the UAE’s human rights record are well aware of the brutality of its prisons and the extent of its oppressive practices.

Finally, the UAE continues to act as the region’s enforcer, indifferent to the implications of its actions on its international reputation or relations with neighboring countries. With this approach persisting, the region faces further political transformations as Arab states reassess their alliances and positions toward the increasingly apparent UAE role.