The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar are taking steps to reopen their embassies, marking a significant move towards re-establishing diplomatic ties two years after the historic 2021 AlUla declaration that signaled an end to the Gulf rift. A UAE official confirmed the development, stating that “the activation of diplomatic ties, which will include the reopening of embassies, is proceeding between both countries” in a statement to The National.
Reuters also reported on the development, quoting the Qatar International Media Office as confirming that “work is under way to re-open the respective embassies as soon as possible.” This move has raised expectations that full diplomatic relations between the two countries could be restored within weeks, bringing the four-year Gulf rift closer to resolution.
The Gulf rift began in 2017 when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in the affairs of regional states, which Qatar vehemently denied. However, the rift came to an end in 2021 with Qatar joining other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in Saudi Arabia to unveil the AlUla declaration, which aimed to form a “unified and geostrategic bloc” to tackle common challenges.
Since then, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have already appointed ambassadors to Doha, and Bahrain announced last week that it would restore ties, including travel links. The UAE has also been taking steps towards restoring relations, despite the lack of an ambassador. A UAE official in Abu Dhabi emphasized that the country’s foreign policy is focused on building bridges, economic cooperation, and regional de-escalation.
“The UAE’s foreign policy is primarily focused on building bridges, economic co-operation, and regional de-escalation,” the official said. “Since the signing of the AlUla declaration in January 2021, the UAE has restored relations with the state of Qatar, with several visits occurring between the two countries, which included discussions on the further development of relations and of jointly achieving greater mutual prosperity and progress for the two countries and wider region.”
The restoration of full diplomatic relations between the UAE and Qatar would mark a significant milestone in resolving the Gulf rift and promoting peace and stability in the region. It would also have positive implications for economic cooperation and regional security, with both countries being key players in the Middle East. The UAE has already reinstated travel links with Qatar in 2021 and has been a hub and layover destination for fans traveling to the upcoming 2022 Qatar World Cup.
As the process of reopening embassies progresses, hopes are high for a swift and successful resolution to the Gulf rift, paving the way for renewed cooperation and mutual prosperity between the UAE and Qatar, as well as contributing to the stability and progress of the wider region.
