In a breakthrough move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar have reopened their respective embassies today, signalling a strengthening of ties between the two Gulf nations. The official confirmation of the UAE embassy opening its doors in Doha and Qatar’s embassy resuming operations in Abu Dhabi was announced on the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
This development has been linked to the Al Ula agreement, which marked the commitment of both countries to bolster their bilateral relationship. The Ministry noted that the reopening of embassies reflects the “collective will of the leaderships of both nations”.
UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, engaged in a cordial conversation with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. They exchanged felicitations on the recommencement of the embassies’ operations, as reported by the state news agency, Wam.
The path to this moment has been arduous, as the UAE and Qatar have worked determinedly to renew ties and reopen embassies following the pivotal Al Ula agreement in 2021. This agreement was instrumental in quelling the Gulf rift, which ensued in 2017 when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Qatar. The severance was grounded on accusations of Qatar supporting terrorism and meddling in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries, charges which Doha steadfastly refuted.
The resolution of the conflict was cemented in 2021 when Qatar, alongside other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, congregated in Saudi Arabia to herald the Al Ula declaration. This declaration aims to create a “unified and geostrategic bloc” to collectively address shared challenges.
Following this stride towards regional amicability, Saudi Arabia and Egypt were quick to take the lead by assigning ambassadors to Doha. Bahrain also followed suit in April, announcing its intention to re-establish ties, including reinstating travel connections.
This landmark reopening of embassies is perceived as a significant step towards regional stability and enhanced cooperation amongst Gulf countries, which is likely to have positive ramifications in the Middle East.
