Regional disputes, especially in Sudan and Yemen, could further strain relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with their maritime border demarcation issue.

In the final days before officially stepping down on January 20, 2025, a legislative message from the U.S. Congress reached President Joe Biden’s administration, urging the UAE to halt its negative role in the ongoing war in Sudan.

In anticipation of the post-war scenarios in Gaza, PA President Mahmoud Abbas has, for the first time, taken steps toward reconciling with his long-time political rivals to unify the fragmented Fatah movement.

UAE authorities have provided exclusive recreational programs for Israeli soldiers, including those involved in the genocide against Gaza and implicated in severe atrocities against Palestinian civilians.

Unlike its approach to most Islamic governments, the UAE is strengthening ties with the Afghan Taliban, who took power after the U.S. ended its 20-year occupation.