Foreign Policy Research Institute A Nation Must Think Before it Acts Beyond Fraternity: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Beyond Fraternity: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Beyond Fraternity: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The Moshe Dayan Center
Tel Aviv University

In honor of the 86th Saudi National Day in September, the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that Al-Sufouh Street, one of Dubai’s major thoroughfares, would be changed to “King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street.”[1] This symbolic gesture, one that has become a ritual in recent years, illustrates the growing political affinity and military coordination between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These growing ties are emerging during a period of rapid change for the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States since the 2011 Arab Spring upheavals.[2]

For decades, the relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have had a clear dynamic: paternal oversight of the smaller, more modern and relatively less conservative upstart by the larger, longer established, and more devout. Due in part to a history of mistrust and competition between the two ruling families – Al Nahyan and Al Saʿud – relations have not always been smooth, with the UAE repeatedly asserting its independence in an attempt to garner more respect and be seen as an equal rather than a junior partner. Nevertheless, since 2011, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been actively collaborating on regional security issues.  Both personal dynamics and broad regional developments have contributed to this partnership. As a result of the growing cooperation, the nature of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE appears to be moving from “paternal” to “fraternal.”[3]

This change can be partly attributed to a generational shift in operational leadership in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammad bin Salman, the king’s 31-year old son, is playing an outsized role in Saudi policy-making. The Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s military is 55-year old Mohammed bin Zayed, who plays an increasingly central role in Emirati decision making.[4] These two men represent a new generation of leadership in their countries, and appear to have established a close working relationship…

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[1] The National, September 21, 2016; “The UAE Takes Part in Saudi Arabia’s 86th National Day Celebrations,” as-Sharq al-Awsat, September 23, 2016.

[2] The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

[3]Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meets Saudi King in Tangier,” The National, July 31, 2016.

[4] David Ignatius, “A 30-year old Saudi prince could jump-start the kingdom—or drive it off a cliff,” The Washington Post, June 28, 2016.