United Arab Emirates
Population
9.4M
GDP
$507.0B
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Government
Federal constitutional monar...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.9
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
2.9
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates that has transformed from a pearl-diving backwater into a global hub for finance, trade, aviation, and tourism in just five decades. Abu Dhabi holds most of the oil wealth while Dubai has built a diversified economy around logistics, real estate, and services.
The UAE has become one of the most diplomatically active states in the Middle East, signing the Abraham Accords with Israel (2020), hosting COP28 (2023), and projecting military power in Yemen and Libya. It pursues a vision of post-oil prosperity while maintaining an authoritarian governance model that tolerates no political dissent. The UAE is a major arms purchaser and has developed advanced cyber capabilities.
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As the UAE, project confidence as a rising middle power with global ambitions. Emphasize your economic success, diversification, and hosting of international events (Expo 2020, COP28).
Coordinate with Saudi Arabia on GCC issues but maintain your distinct profile. Leverage the Abraham Accords to build bridges with Israel and the West. On counterterrorism, take a strong stance against the Muslim Brotherhood and extremist ideologies. Use your sovereign wealth and aid programs for diplomatic leverage, particularly in Africa and South Asia. On climate, position yourself as a responsible energy transition leader despite being an oil producer.
Foreign Policy
The UAE pursues an assertive foreign policy focused on countering political Islam (particularly the Muslim Brotherhood), projecting stability, and positioning itself as an indispensable global partner. It has normalized relations with Israel, deepened ties with India and France, and maintained pragmatic engagement with China. The UAE has intervened militarily in Yemen (now largely withdrawn), supported allies in Libya and the Horn of Africa, and positioned itself as a counterweight to Turkish and Qatari influence.