Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates has formally announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be received in the country, according to a statement released by the UAE foreign ministry. This marks the first time the Emirati government has publicly confirmed a visit by the Israeli leader since the normalization of ties under the 2020 Abraham Accords. The announcement did not include any mention of the wars currently affecting the region, including the conflict in Gaza.
Middle East Eye reported that the confirmation follows earlier media reports suggesting that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had warned Netanyahu about a potential Hamas operation prior to the October 7 attacks. While the Emirati leadership’s warning was cited in earlier coverage, the official statement on the visit remained silent on that episode and on broader security concerns.
The scheduled meeting is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation that has expanded since diplomatic relations were established. Areas of collaboration cited in previous joint statements include trade, investment, technology, and tourism. Both governments have repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of their partnership for regional stability and economic development.
Analysts note that the public acknowledgment of the visit could signal a shift toward greater transparency in UAE‑Israel engagements, which have largely been conducted behind closed doors. The timing coincides with a period of heightened diplomatic activity across the Gulf, as several states reassess their foreign policies in response to evolving security dynamics.
The UAE’s decision to omit any reference to the ongoing wars in its announcement aligns with a broader pattern of diplomatic language that seeks to separate bilateral initiatives from the broader conflict environment. Officials have repeatedly stressed that cooperation with Israel does not equate to endorsement of any particular party’s actions in the Gaza conflict.
The visit is slated to occur later this month, though exact dates and the composition of the Israeli delegation have not been disclosed. Both sides have indicated that the agenda will be shared in advance, allowing for preparatory discussions on issues ranging from energy projects to cultural exchanges. The confirmation underscores the continued momentum of the UAE‑Israel relationship despite the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-confirms-netanyahu-visit-first-time-no-mention-regional-wars.