ABU DHABI — As tensions with Iran continue to escalate, the strategic partnership between Israel and the United Arab Emirates has deepened significantly, with both countries coordinating more closely on security, intelligence, and regional stability issues.
Journalist Sami Hamdi, in a recent interview, described the evolving relationship as a major shift in Gulf power balance. The UAE, which normalized ties with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords, now appears to be moving beyond economic and technological cooperation into more explicit security alignment, especially as the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters intensifies.
The partnership has grown quietly but steadily. Israeli and Emirati officials have reportedly increased intelligence sharing regarding Iranian activities, including drone and missile movements, proxy militias, and potential threats to shipping lanes. Both nations share a common interest in preventing Iran from dominating the region or disrupting critical energy routes.
Why the Alliance Matters Now
The current Iran conflict has accelerated this cooperation. With the U.S. maintaining a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran responding with threats and displays of military hardware, Gulf states like the UAE find themselves in a delicate position. They rely heavily on stable shipping for oil exports and economic growth, making any prolonged disruption a direct threat to their prosperity.
The UAE has been particularly active. Its sophisticated air defenses, advanced surveillance capabilities, and strong ties with the United States make it a valuable partner for Israel. In return, Israel brings advanced military technology, intelligence expertise, and a long track record of countering Iranian influence across the Middle East.
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This alignment is not without controversy. Some voices in the Arab world criticize the UAE for moving too close to Israel while the Palestinian issue remains unresolved. Critics argue that Gulf states are prioritizing their own security and economic interests over traditional Arab solidarity. However, UAE leaders have consistently framed the relationship as forward-looking, focused on technology, trade, and regional stability rather than ideological alignment.
Strategic Benefits for Both Sides
For Israel, the UAE offers a strategic foothold in the Gulf, improved access to Arab markets, and a reliable partner against shared threats from Iran and its proxies. Joint exercises, technology transfers, and intelligence collaboration have reportedly increased since the Abraham Accords.
For the UAE, closer ties with Israel provide access to cutting-edge defense systems, cybersecurity tools, and agricultural and water management technologies that support its long-term diversification away from oil. The partnership also strengthens the UAE’s position as a key regional player capable of balancing relations with the United States, Israel, and other Gulf neighbors.
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The alliance is further bolstered by shared concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its support for groups like the Houthis, and its attempts to project power through asymmetric warfare, including the use of cheap drones like the Shahed-136.
Impact on Regional Power Balance
This growing Israel-UAE relationship is quietly reshaping the geopolitical landscape in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, which has not yet normalized ties with Israel, is watching developments closely. Riyadh maintains its own channels with Israel but has been more cautious publicly due to domestic and regional considerations.
The UAE’s willingness to deepen security cooperation sends a signal that some Gulf states are prepared to pursue independent foreign policies based on national interests rather than pan-Arab consensus. This shift could influence how other countries in the region approach relations with Israel in the coming years.
At the same time, the alliance adds pressure on Iran. Tehran has long warned against normalization between Arab states and Israel, viewing it as a direct threat to its regional ambitions. The visible strengthening of Israel-UAE ties during the current conflict likely reinforces Iranian perceptions of encirclement.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress, the partnership faces challenges. Public opinion in parts of the Arab world remains skeptical or hostile toward Israel. Any major escalation involving Israeli actions could create political difficulties for the UAE domestically and regionally.
There are also questions about sustainability. While security cooperation has grown, both sides must carefully manage expectations and avoid actions that could provoke broader conflict. The involvement of the United States as a key security guarantor for both countries helps stabilize the relationship but also ties it to larger U.S. policy shifts in the region.
Looking ahead, the Israel-UAE alliance could expand into new areas such as joint development of defense technologies, space cooperation, or coordinated diplomatic initiatives. If the current Iran conflict leads to a new security architecture in the Gulf, this partnership may serve as a foundation for wider regional arrangements.
For now, the deepening ties reflect a pragmatic response to shared threats. As the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program remains fluid, the Israel-UAE relationship stands out as one of the more stable and consequential alignments in a highly volatile region.
The coming months will test how effectively this partnership can contribute to deterrence and stability while navigating the complex web of interests involving the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other regional players.
