Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets UAE President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations and regional challenges amid heightened tensions involving Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, with the two sides discussing bilateral relations and regional challenges, according to Emirati state media and Netanyahu’s office. The meeting marks a publicly acknowledged engagement between the two leaders amid heightened regional tensions.
The UAE’s official news agency WAM reported that Sheikh Mohamed received Netanyahu and that the discussions focused on relations between the UAE and Israel and ways to strengthen and develop them. Netanyahu’s office said the visit was made at the invitation of the UAE president and focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional challenges.
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The meeting takes place against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and US-backed diplomatic efforts related to the conflict involving Iran. Three Israeli officials cited, the meeting lasted about six hours and focused on Iran, although neither side released a detailed account of the discussions.
The visit also comes amid renewed attention to earlier reports concerning contacts between Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed. The UAE had previously denied reports of a March meeting after Israeli officials said Netanyahu had travelled to the country. The latest meeting is the first time the UAE has publicly confirmed the Israeli prime minister’s visit, according to reports.
The two countries established diplomatic relations under the Abraham Accords in 2020, joining a group of Arab states with formal ties with Israel. Since then, Israel and the UAE have developed cooperation across areas including trade and investment, technology and security, although their relationship has also been affected by wider regional conflicts.
The UAE has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel while publicly expressing opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and supporting humanitarian assistance for Palestinians. The broader regional situation has continued to place the UAE’s relations with Israel within a complex diplomatic environment.
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Netanyahu’s visit follows his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His delegation included senior Israeli officials, according to his office. The Israeli government also criticised the early disclosure of the visit, saying it created security concerns for the prime minister, his wife and members of the delegation.
The Abu Dhabi meeting provides another high-level channel for Israel and the UAE to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments as diplomatic efforts continue across the Middle East.