The UAE and Qatar Revitalize Diplomatic Ties with Embassy Reopenings Following Long-standing Dispute

On Monday, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar declared the reactivation of their embassies, a significant step towards mending their previously strained relations which lasted several years.

Both nations have confirmed that the Qatari Embassy in Abu Dhabi, a Qatari Consulate in Dubai, and the Emirati Embassy in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, have recommenced operations. However, they have yet to announce whether ambassadors have been appointed or if the missions are accepting public visitors.

Qatar relayed that the foreign ministers of both countries had a telephonic conversation, exchanging pleasantries on the renewed operations of the diplomatic missions.

In 2017, the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt, enforced a boycott and blockade against Qatar, primarily due to Qatar’s involvement with and support of Islamist groups in the Middle East that came into power post the 2011 Arab Spring protests. These groups, including Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, are viewed as terrorist organizations by the other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.

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Qatar, which maintains a close relationship with the United States, like its fellow Arab nations, has consistently refuted allegations of supporting terrorist organizations. It has also played a significant role as an intermediary in U.S. dialogues with the Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Afghan Taliban.

The rare diplomatic tension among the usually harmonious Gulf Arab nations initially stoked concerns of a potential armed conflict. Yet, Qatar’s robust gas economy and strong alliances with Turkey and Iran largely shielded it from the economic sanctions, leading to a gradual improvement in relations.

The boycott was officially rescinded in January 2021. Late the following year, Qatar played host to visiting leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE during the World Cup soccer tournament.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, praised the two countries for taking “another important step forward among our Gulf Cooperation Council partners to promote regional stability and mutual cooperation.”

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

In his statement, Miller further expressed, “The United States is fully committed to working with the GCC and other regional partners to build a more secure, integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Middle East region.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UAE-Qatar Relations

More about UAE-Qatar Relations

• UAE, Qatar Restore Diplomatic Relations With Embassy Reopenings
• A Look at the Qatar Crisis
• Qatar’s role in U.S. negotiations with Hamas and Taliban
• The Lift of Qatar Boycott
• The Gulf Cooperation Council’s Role in Middle East Stability