“A UAE envoy urged both Israel and Palestine to acknowledge their own role in ending the conflict, stressing that the duty to pursue peace rests primarily with the parties involved.”
“UAE representative tells Israel and Palestine: Responsibility for peace lies with you”
A senior Emirati official has emphasised that the long-term success of the Abraham Accords depends not only on diplomatic agreements but also on efforts by influential voices within Israel and Palestine to shift public perceptions at home. He stressed that meaningful and sustainable peace can only emerge when leaders, activists, educators and community figures on both sides actively work to reshape attitudes, promote understanding, and prepare their populations for a future defined by coexistence rather than conflict. According to him, this internal transformation is essential for cultivating public backing during what he described as the crucial “day after” stage of regional diplomacy — the period in which agreements must be translated into real social acceptance and practical cooperation.
Speaking at the Abraham Accords Conference in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi — a Member of the UAE Federal National Council and head of the Defence Affairs, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee — reflected on the UAE’s continuing role in supporting the historic agreement. He reminded attendees that since the accords were signed on September 15, 2020, the UAE has not limited itself to fulfilling basic obligations. Instead, it has taken proactive steps, often exceeding expectations, to strengthen the foundations of the accord and encourage broader engagement across the region.
Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that the Emirates entered the agreement with a sincere commitment to building a new model of regional relations, one that prioritises dialogue, economic collaboration and mutual respect. From the outset, the UAE viewed the accords as an opportunity to create long-term stability and open pathways for future generations. He noted that, despite challenges, the UAE has consistently pushed for practical initiatives, outreach efforts and diplomatic bridges aimed at reinforcing the spirit of the agreement.
He concluded by urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to match that dedication by taking greater ownership of their internal narratives, arguing that true peace begins within societies before it can be secured between states.
He explained that the UAE had gone far beyond the basic terms outlined in the agreement, consistently demonstrating a willingness to take on responsibilities that were never formally required. According to him, this proactive approach often placed the Emirates in difficult positions, exposing the country to political pressures and criticism. Yet, he noted, the UAE chose to endure those challenges because it believed deeply in the importance of advancing the accord and preserving the possibility of long-term regional stability.
He went on to emphasise that this level of dedication was not matched by the other two parties involved. Without naming specific shortcomings, he pointed out that Israel and the Palestinian side had not met the commitments they themselves agreed to as part of the framework. This lack of follow-through, he said, has hindered momentum and slowed progress at crucial moments. For him, recognising this gap is essential, not for the sake of blame, but to understand the realities shaping the current situation.
He stressed that acknowledging where responsibilities have not been met is a necessary first step toward rebuilding trust, resetting expectations and ensuring that future diplomatic efforts are grounded in honesty, transparency and genuine mutual commitment.
He made it clear that the Abraham Accords should be understood strictly within the context of politics and diplomacy, not religion. According to him, the agreement was established as a strategic framework to advance regional stability, strengthen cooperation and open new pathways for dialogue. It was never intended to be interpreted as a religious pact or a statement about faith. He emphasised that attempts to frame the accords as a religious issue only distort their purpose and distract from the real goals they were created to achieve — goals rooted in statecraft, economic partnership and long-term security.
In his view, recognising the nature of the agreement is essential for anyone who wants to understand the UAE’s involvement. The country approached the accords with the mindset of a responsible international actor seeking to create positive change, not as a participant in a theological debate. He noted that the UAE’s leadership has consistently maintained a clear position: politics should be handled through political channels, and religion should not be misused to justify or undermine diplomatic initiatives. By keeping these two spheres separate, the UAE aims to promote rational decision-making and reduce tensions fueled by emotional or ideological interpretations.
He also highlighted the UAE’s reputation for honouring its commitments. When the Emirates enters into any formal agreement, he said, it does so with seriousness, integrity and a clear intention to follow through. For the UAE, signing a document is not a symbolic gesture — it is a binding promise. He explained that the country puts considerable effort into implementing the terms of its agreements, engaging consistently with partners, participating in required processes and taking additional steps when needed to ensure progress.
He stressed that this approach is embedded in the UAE’s diplomatic identity. Whether dealing with regional partners, global organisations or bilateral allies, the UAE strives to be a nation whose word carries real weight. “Walking the talk,” as he described it, means translating commitments into concrete action rather than relying on rhetoric or superficial gestures. It involves sustained engagement, transparency and accountability — qualities he believes are essential for building trust in international relations.
By highlighting these points, he sought to remind audiences that the UAE’s involvement in the Abraham Accords is grounded in principles, not convenience. The country entered the agreement with a genuine desire to contribute to peace, and it continues to uphold its obligations with full seriousness, even when faced with challenges.
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi highlighted that the critical obstacle to lasting peace in the region is no longer centered on formal diplomacy or negotiations between governments, but rather on the attitudes and perceptions held by ordinary citizens within Israel and Palestine. He emphasised that the responsibility for shaping public opinion rests first and foremost with the leaders and influential figures within each society. According to him, expecting external actors, including the UAE, to manage or mediate these internal narratives is neither practical nor effective. Instead, he called on both sides to take ownership of the process within their own communities.
Addressing Israeli representatives directly, he stated that they must focus on engaging their own people rather than instructing or advising the Arab world on changing its perspective toward Israel. “Work on your own population,” he said. “Do not come to us with lectures about how we should view Israel or how public opinion should be adjusted. That responsibility lies with you.” Similarly, he directed a message to Palestinian leaders, urging them to concentrate on cultivating understanding, resilience, and dialogue within their own society instead of relying on external intervention or expecting the UAE to convey messages to Israelis on their behalf.
Dr. Al Nuaimi shared that through repeated discussions and meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian delegations over the past five years, it became evident that a major element is often missing in peace-building efforts: the active participation of domestic influencers who can shape societal attitudes. “For peace to endure, Israelis must work on Israelis, and Palestinians must work on Palestinians,” he explained. He stressed that this internal engagement cannot be substituted or delegated; it requires the direct involvement of leaders, educators, community figures, and public personalities who have the credibility and authority to influence their own communities. Without this domestic initiative, he warned, achieving a sustainable peace framework would remain an elusive goal, regardless of external diplomatic efforts.
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi emphasized that while the Abraham Accords have undoubtedly created opportunities for dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between societies in the region, such political agreements should not be mistaken for genuine, lasting peace. He pointed out that signing treaties or normalising relations on paper is only the initial step in a far more complex and enduring process. “Normalisation alone does not constitute peace,” he said, explaining that these agreements are fundamentally formal arrangements crafted by leaders at the highest political levels, but they cannot automatically transform the perceptions, attitudes, or sentiments of ordinary people. True peace, he argued, must resonate in the hearts and minds of citizens across the region; it must be embraced by communities, not just endorsed by governments.
Dr. Al Nuaimi stressed that the long-term stability of the region depends on cultivating mutual understanding and fostering a genuine sense of coexistence. He highlighted that Palestinian aspirations for their rights cannot be achieved through conflict or armed struggle, and similarly, Israel’s pursuit of security cannot be secured through continued warfare. Instead, he underscored that both sides must rely on dialogue, trust-building, and constructive engagement as the pathways to achieving their respective goals. Peace, he insisted, is not simply a document signed at a conference table — it is a process that requires sustained effort, collaboration, and a commitment to reconciliation across multiple levels of society.
A critical component of this process, he noted, is the emergence of “champions of peace” within both communities. These are leaders, educators, activists, and public figures who can influence their societies positively, shape public narratives, and encourage understanding between groups that have historically been divided. He called on Israelis and Palestinians alike to step forward as advocates for peace, taking personal responsibility to guide their communities toward a shared vision of coexistence. Furthermore, he stressed that this effort must extend beyond national boundaries, encompassing regional actors and global partners who can support initiatives that strengthen dialogue and reduce mistrust.
Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted the necessity of actively engaging populations, not just governments. Political agreements alone, he said, can open doors, but without the participation and buy-in of ordinary citizens, these agreements risk remaining symbolic. Peace must be nurtured in schools, communities, workplaces, and families — it must become part of everyday life, embedded in the culture of societies. This requires sustained outreach, educational initiatives, and the creation of narratives that promote empathy, understanding, and respect for differing perspectives.
Ultimately, he argued, building lasting peace is a shared responsibility. It demands vision, patience, and the courage to confront difficult issues openly while encouraging collaboration and compromise. By fostering a generation of leaders and influencers committed to dialogue, coexistence, and reconciliation, the region can move beyond mere normalisation toward a genuine, enduring peace that benefits all citizens.
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi also addressed the evolving dynamics in Washington, pointing to recent political developments in the United States as a potential catalyst for progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He specifically highlighted the emerging policies and approach of then-US President Donald Trump, noting that his administration’s positions on issues such as Gaza and the investigation into the Muslim Brotherhood could serve as an opportunity to reinvigorate efforts toward a lasting resolution. According to Dr. Al Nuaimi, the combination of leadership, focus, and willingness to engage at the highest level presented a unique moment that should not be overlooked by regional stakeholders.
He described President Trump as a leader who expressed a genuine intention to personally address the complex challenges of the conflict. “Having a leader like him in the White House creates an opening that we cannot afford to ignore,” he said. “He is determined to find solutions. He is willing to engage directly and to take concrete steps to tackle longstanding issues that have eluded resolution for decades.” Dr. Al Nuaimi’s remarks suggested that such direct engagement at the executive level in Washington could complement regional initiatives and strengthen the momentum generated by agreements like the Abraham Accords, creating a multi-layered approach to peace that includes both local and international actors.
At the same time, he warned of the significant challenges that accompany such opportunities. According to Dr. Al Nuaimi, opponents of the Accords and other regional peace initiatives continue to pursue strategies aimed at undermining progress. These actors, he explained, seek to sow discord, provoke tensions, and manipulate religious sentiments in order to destabilize the delicate balance achieved by diplomatic efforts. He cautioned that these efforts could escalate into broader divisions, dragging communities into conflicts framed along sectarian or religious lines, which would ultimately derail the peace process.
To counter these risks, Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasized the critical importance of unity among all partners committed to the Abraham Accords and broader regional stability. He argued that maintaining a cohesive, coordinated approach is essential to ensure that progress is not derailed by external provocations or domestic pressures. Stakeholders must focus on shared goals, adhere to agreed-upon principles, and resist the attempts of adversarial actors to create fractures within the coalition of nations working toward peace.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Nuaimi framed the current period as a time of both opportunity and caution. The combination of committed leadership in Washington and a dedicated coalition of regional partners provides a rare chance to advance diplomatic solutions, but success depends on vigilance, collaboration, and a collective commitment to resist divisive forces. By staying focused, united, and proactive, he suggested, the region can seize this moment to push the peace process forward in meaningful, lasting ways.
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi highlighted the UAE’s domestic model as a blueprint for what could be achieved in the broader region if efforts are made to transform public attitudes on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He pointed to the Emirates’ approach, where people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and cultures coexist in a society that prioritises security, respect, and acceptance. In the UAE, residents are able to live openly and freely without fear of discrimination or marginalisation, he explained, demonstrating that it is possible to create a society where differences are embraced rather than used as a source of division. This, he argued, is not just an ideal but a tangible reality that can be replicated elsewhere if leaders and communities commit to dialogue, education, and understanding.
Dr. Al Nuaimi addressed Israeli and Palestinian audiences directly, encouraging them to adopt a similar approach within their own societies. “I can assure my Israeli friends and my Palestinian friends that if they choose to pursue this path, they will have the opportunity to achieve a society similar to what we experience here in the UAE,” he said. He emphasized that the process requires more than signing agreements or implementing short-term measures; it demands sustained effort to shape public perception, foster empathy, and build trust among ordinary citizens.
mportantly, he noted that the goal extends beyond achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians alone. The broader vision is a region in which all nations and peoples coexist safely and respectfully, with their identities acknowledged and their differences celebrated rather than feared. According to Dr. Al Nuaimi, the UAE’s experience shows that when governments, communities, and individuals collaborate to cultivate inclusive values, it becomes possible to lay the foundation for a stable, prosperous, and harmonious regional environment where everyone feels secure, valued, and accepted for who they are.
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi urged European partners to reconsider their traditional approach to the Middle East, highlighting that many policies and strategies have remained largely unchanged for decades, even as the region itself has evolved significantly. He pointed out that European governments have often relied on the same set of mechanisms and diplomatic tools repeatedly, despite clear shifts in political dynamics, social realities, and public attitudes across the region. “For the past 45 years, the same methods have been applied to address conflicts that are constantly evolving,” he said.
He stressed that expecting old strategies to produce new results is unrealistic and counterproductive. Repetition, he warned, will not resolve complex and multifaceted disputes; instead, fresh thinking and adaptive approaches are required. “The circumstances, the actors, and the challenges have all changed,” he noted. “Continuing to use the same instruments dozens of times without adjustment will not achieve the outcomes we need. Europe must evolve alongside the region.”
Dr. Al Nuaimi’s message was clear: external partners must recognise that historical approaches are insufficient for today’s context. He encouraged European countries to engage with contemporary realities, adopt innovative strategies, and respond to the current political, social, and cultural environment if they hope to play a meaningful and effective role in supporting stability, dialogue, and long-term solutions in the Middle East.
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering dedication to the Abraham Accords, stressing that despite the obstacles and challenges that have arisen since their signing, the country has no intention of retreating from its commitments. According to him, the Accords represent more than a political arrangement; they symbolize a long-term vision for the region that the UAE is determined to uphold and strengthen. “We are fully committed to this agreement. There is no turning back,” he said. “This is a pledge, a responsibility that we take very seriously. The Abraham Accords are not just documents — they are the foundation of a future we are building together.”
He emphasized that the UAE views the Accords as a transformative framework capable of reshaping the entire regional landscape. While diplomatic and political agreements are important, their ultimate value lies in their ability to create tangible change in the lives of people across the Middle East. “We believe that this framework is central to the region’s future,” Dr. Al Nuaimi explained. “It is a vision of coexistence, collaboration, and lasting stability. Our goal is to invest in this vision, nurture it, and see it take root in every society across the region.”
Dr. Al Nuaimi noted that the UAE’s commitment extends beyond simple rhetoric or symbolic gestures. The country is actively working to implement initiatives, foster dialogue, and promote cooperation between communities, ensuring that the principles of the Accords translate into practical outcomes. He stressed that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of security, respect, and acceptance. “Our aim is to create a region where every individual feels safe in their home, respected for who they are, and accepted regardless of their background, faith, or culture,” he said.
He also highlighted the broader significance of the Accords, arguing that they represent a model that can inspire other nations in the region to pursue similar paths of dialogue and reconciliation. By demonstrating the benefits of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity, the UAE hopes to encourage governments and societies across the Middle East to embrace a future defined by stability rather than division.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Nuaimi reaffirmed that the UAE’s vision is both ambitious and inclusive. The country is prepared to dedicate resources, political will, and sustained effort to ensure that the Abraham Accords serve as a catalyst for lasting peace and regional transformation. “We are committed to working tirelessly,” he said, “to build a region where everyone, without exception, can live with security, dignity, and mutual respect. The Abraham Accords are the pathway to that future, and the UAE will remain steadfast in pursuing it.”
