OPINION:
“Those in positions of leadership should deal with their subjects with compassion and understanding because this is the duty enjoined upon them by God.” This quote from the founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan, encapsulates the fundamental reason behind the remarkable transformation of this federation of seven emirates from a collection of desert communities reliant on pearl diving to today’s global powerhouse known for its dynamic and diversified economy, visionary and forward-thinking policies, multiculturalism, and responsible stewardship of global energy security.
Indeed, the UAE stands as an island of progress, tolerance, prosperity, and stability in a region often marred by conflict, instability, and religious extremism. The adept statecraft of its visionary leadership, coupled with detailed strategic planning and a relentless pursuit of innovation, has transformed this country of 10 million inhabitants into one of the world’s most important state actors on the global stage.
Today, the legacy of good governance laid down by Sheikh Zayed since the UAE’s independence in 1971 is carried forward by his visionary and wise son, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the President of UAE. Central to Sheikh Mohamed’s forward-thinking statecraft is an unrelenting commitment to diversification and innovation. Recognizing the finite nature of his country’s oil reserves, Sheikh Mohamed has embarked on a bold journey to diversify the UAE’s economy and reduce its dependence on petroleum exports. Today, sectors such as tourism, finance, aviation, renewable energy, and technology play a significant role in driving economic growth and creating meaningful opportunities for its citizens.
Indeed, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed, tourism now contributes a remarkable 7% to the UAE’s GDP, with over 12 million tourists visiting annually. In the realm of finance, the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund is now one of the largest in the world, with close to $1 trillion in assets. And its two flagship airlines, Emirates and Etihad, are the envy of the world. The country’s transparent use of nuclear power and installation of solar farms to generate electricity are a testament to Sheikh Mohamed’s firm commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. In fact, last year, the UAE hosted the world’s climate conference (COP28) and pledged $30 billion to help mitigate the negative impact of climate change. And, as AI leads the world into its fourth industrial revolution, the UAE’s tech-savvy leader has committed $100 billion to leveraging AI for the benefit of humanity.
While the remarkable achievements outlined above explain Sheikh Mohamed’s adept statecraft, it is his vision for global stability that also deserves attention and praise. For example, the UAE has emerged as a champion of global diplomacy, unwavering in its commitment to promoting peace and stability on the world stage. Working with former President Donald Trump, Sheikh Mohamed orchestrated the historic Abraham Accords in 2020. This monumental demonstration of strategic vision by Sheikh Mohamed paved the way for the normalization of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel, swiftly followed by similar groundbreaking agreements with Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. This bold, courageous and visionary move by Sheikh Mohamed demonstrates what can be achieved when statesmen vie for peace and regional harmony.
Closely related to groundbreaking diplomatic initiatives, Sheikh Mohamed’s focus on global security has made the UAE a steadfast ally in the global fight against terrorism. Collaborating hand in hand with international organizations and the United States, the UAE has played a pivotal role in combating terrorism, sharing crucial intelligence, and countering extremist ideologies. Taking a page out of Ronald Reagan’s policy of “peace through strength,” the UAE is the world’s ninth importer of military hardware and therefore, not surprisingly, hosts international military exercises and offers logistical support to its allies across the globe, thus bolstering global security efforts.
Beyond the realm of constructive diplomacy and contributing to global security, Sheikh Mohamed has positioned the UAE as a bastion of compassion and humanitarianism. In times of crisis, the UAE has extended significant aid and relief to nations grappling with conflict, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. For example, between 2021 and 2022 alone, the UAE donated $3.5 billion to countries across the globe. This generosity by the leadership of the UAE, including that of its compassionate ambassador to the U.S., Yousef Al-Otaiba, has touched our own region as well. For example, the Children’s Hospital has received over $200 million in donations from the UAE, and the UAE-Johns Hopkins Medical partnership has improved health care outcomes for thousands in the U.S.
Taking a page from his late father’s vision of inter-faith unity, Sheikh Mohamed is a passionate advocate for establishing the UAE as a bridge between civilizations. He has warmly embraced hosting international conferences that foster inter-faith dialogue and understanding among different cultures and religions. It is therefore not surprising that the liberal Muslim cleric Sheikh Bayyah and Rabbi David Rosen, a renowned interfaith peacemaker, have found a home in the UAE and are the anchors for the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace.
As Americans go to the polls this November to choose their next president, they should study the statecraft of UAE’s leaders for clues on how to make America truly great again.
• S. Rob Sobhani, Ph.D. is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.
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