UAE secures itself with military aid from Israel and trade with Iran

The United Arab Emirates is maneuvering through the region's most significant crisis since its founding with hard-nosed pragmatism, seeking to secure itself through military assistance from Israel and continued trade with Iran. However, the long-term viability of the UAE's business model remains uncertain as the conflict unfolds.

An Italian tech entrepreneur, residing in Dubai for twelve years, voiced his anxieties about the future. "Of course I think about leaving," he admitted, citing a "dark cloud" hanging over the region. He noted that finding investors had become difficult even before the current conflict, and now, he believes, it's "completely impossible."

Dubai has long been a symbol of stability and prosperity in a region often marked by conflict and extremism. Yet, each missile fired across the Persian Gulf further cracks this image of seamless efficiency. This current crisis, the most severe since the UAE's formation in 1971, has prompted the nation to extend olive branches to both Israel and Iran simultaneously.

Amidst the escalating tensions, reports suggest Israel provided crucial support to Abu Dhabi. According to diplomatic sources, Israel dispatched at least one Iron Dome battery and military personnel to train the Emiratis on its operation. This aid came after the UAE reportedly sought assistance from other countries, which were unwilling to help.