Israel-UAE Relations Celebrate Five Years of Abraham Accords
Abu Dhabi, August 13, 2025 – Today marks the fifth anniversary of the historic announcement on August 13, 2020, when Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to normalize diplomatic relations, paving the way for the Abraham Accords. Signed on September 15, 2020, at the White House, the accords have transformed bilateral ties, fostering unprecedented cooperation in trade, defense, technology, and cultural exchange, despite regional challenges posed by the ongoing Gaza conflict.
A Historic Breakthrough
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States under then-President Donald Trump, marked a turning point in Middle East diplomacy, with the UAE and Bahrain becoming the first Arab nations to formally recognize Israel since Jordan in 1994. Morocco and Sudan later joined, driven by shared concerns over Iran’s regional influence and incentives like economic partnerships and U.S. diplomatic concessions. The UAE’s decision to normalize ties came in exchange for Israel’s suspension of West Bank annexation plans, a move hailed as a step toward regional stability.
In the past five years, the UAE and Israel have deepened their relationship across multiple sectors. Bilateral trade has surged, reaching $2.5 billion in 2022 and projected to hit $10 billion by 2027. Key milestones include a free-trade agreement in 2022, visa-free travel, and direct flights, which have boosted tourism, with 450,000 Israelis visiting the UAE between 2021 and 2023. The I2U2 partnership, involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S., has furthered collaboration in technology and food security.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense ties have been a cornerstone of the relationship, exemplified by a potential deal between the UAE’s EDGE Group and Israel’s Elbit Systems for the Hermes 900 UAV, including technology transfers and localized production. Since 2020, joint military exercises, such as the 2021 Red Sea maritime drill and a 2025 multinational exercise in Greece, have strengthened security cooperation. The UAE’s acquisition of Israeli air-defense systems like SPYDER and Barak, alongside intelligence-sharing platforms like Crystal Ball, underscores a shared commitment to countering regional threats.
Despite the Gaza war’s impact, which cooled societal-level contacts, both nations have maintained state-to-state engagement. The UAE has condemned Israeli actions in Gaza but preserved diplomatic ties, balancing public sentiment with strategic interests. A new land route via Saudi Arabia and Jordan has facilitated trade continuity amid Red Sea disruptions.
Economic and Cultural Milestones
The UAE has emerged as a hub for Israeli businesses, with a 42% increase in Israeli companies registering in Dubai’s DMCC free-trade zone in 2023, particularly in diamonds, gold, and technology. Cultural exchanges, like the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team’s participation in the UAE Cycling Tour and women’s tech initiatives like FemForward MENA, highlight people-to-people connections. These efforts reflect the accords’ vision of fostering tolerance and coexistence, rooted in the shared Abrahamic heritage.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of DMCC, noted, “Dubai is fast becoming a global hub for Israeli businesses, with rising collaboration in innovation-driven sectors.” Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum emphasized the accords’ role in creating “a more integrated region,” citing programs like FemForward that unite women from Israel and Morocco.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The Gaza conflict, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack, has tested the accords’ resilience. Public opposition in the Arab world, particularly over the Palestinian issue, has strained societal ties, with fewer Emiratis visiting Israel compared to the influx of Israeli tourists to the UAE. Critics argue the UAE faces challenges navigating Israel’s far-right government, with figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir complicating diplomatic relations. The UAE has publicly criticized Israeli actions, such as raids in Jenin and Al-Aqsa Mosque incursions, while advocating for a two-state solution.
Looking ahead, the accords’ expansion hinges on broader regional dynamics. The Trump administration’s efforts to include Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Lebanon face hurdles due to the Gaza war and shifting geopolitics, including Saudi-Iran détente brokered by China in 2023. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for an “Abraham Alliance” to counter Iran has been met with skepticism as Arab states prioritize de-escalation.
A Model for Regional Cooperation
Despite challenges, the UAE-Israel relationship remains a model for pragmatic diplomacy. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met multiple times in 2025, discussing bilateral ties and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, reinforcing their commitment to peace. The ratification of a customs cooperation agreement in April 2025 further boosted economic ties.
As the UAE and Israel mark this milestone, the Abraham Accords continue to reshape the Middle East, proving that strategic alignment and economic incentives can foster cooperation even amidst conflict. Whether the accords can evolve into a broader multilateral framework, as proposed by analysts, will depend on addressing the Palestinian question and navigating regional complexities. For now, the UAE and Israel stand as testaments to the accords’ enduring promise of peace and prosperity.
For ongoing updates, follow trusted sources like Al Arabiya English, The Washington Institute, and The UAE Embassy.
