C14 revealed today (Tuesday) that Israel recently proposed that the United Arab Emirates establish its embassy compound in Jerusalem, but Abu Dhabi politely declined the offer. Israel and the United Arab Emirates have continued to strengthen their relations since normalization and the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, yet the Emiratis recently refusal of the request to relocate their embassy to Israel’s capital highlights the delicate diplomatic considerations that continue to shape the relationship.
1+Before the historic signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020, Israel and the UAE had no formal diplomatic relations, although the two countries had quietly developed behind-the-scenes cooperation over shared security concerns, particularly the growing threat from Iran. The US-brokered normalization agreement transformed those discreet contacts into an official partnership, paving the way for diplomatic missions, direct flights, expanding trade, and closer cooperation in technology, defense, and investment.
1+Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, but it is also home to Islam’s third-holiest site. Establishing an Emirati embassy in the city would be perceived across the Arab and Muslim world as political recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and could spark controversy over the status of the holy sites. The very fact that Israel raised such a sensitive proposal demonstrates the depth of the relationship and the level of trust between the two countries, particularly against the backdrop of Israeli assistance to the UAE during the war against Iran, including the deployment of an Israeli defense system and personnel to operate it. A source familiar with the details told C14 Tuesday evening: “The focus was on deepening cooperation, not just the location. The Emiratis’ move is important and demonstrates a desire for meaningful, long-term relations.”