Policy Analysis

A fresh opinion poll of UAE citizens, commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted by a reliable independent regional firm in April 2023, reveals some of the most pro-American and anti-Iranian attitudes of any Arab country surveyed lately. On normalization with Israel, views are more mixed—yet surprisingly moderate, given this poll’s timing during Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's recent decisions aim to refresh the image of UAE leadership, ushering in the next generations of rulers.

Though GCC member states may disagree on Syria's normalization, the collective memory of past conflicts and the desire for regional stability will likely override internal divisions.

Amid global uncertainty, Gulf states are seeking to strike a delicate balance between old and new partners.

Morocco is preparing to host the upcoming Negev Forum summit, an opportunity for the Kingdom to expand economic ties and bridge regional divides.

Approval for contacts with Israelis remained steady through 2022, even as hesitancy on Abraham Accords continued.

Although many results are consistent with past polling, the most recent Emirati survey reveals interesting perspectives on Iran, the economy, and other issues.

Regional polls from March and August reveal shifting power dynamics, as economic conditions and relations with Israel continue to weigh on citizens’ minds.

For the Abraham Accords to be truly successful, cooperation between member countries must necessarily extend to partnerships of more accurate and far-reaching media sources.

The Abraham Accords agreement between the UAE and Israel has made important steps in the direction of regional economic and political cooperation.

With elections in the balance, Erdoğan is playing a risky game of international normalizations in the hope that the Turkish electorate will approve of economic ties and immigrant solutions.

Emiratis share their views on global players, regional dynamics, and economic conditions.

A recent poll indicates that though more Gulfis now disapprove of the Abraham Accords, undertones of warming sentiments towards allowing contacts with Israelis are also present.

While Arabs polled in March see Russia as responsible for spiking food prices, frustration with prior governance failures and economic challenges are also evident in certain Arab states with struggling economies.

Recognizing and addressing the challenges in people-to-people relations is a vital step in furthering the efforts of the Abraham Accords.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced a 9% corporate tax on businesses set to begin in June 2023. The corporate tax is the latest alteration to the country’s former lack of taxation, after having first introduced a 5% value added tax (VAT) in 2018.

Polling indicates sectarian consensus on most issues, with some variation on Iran.

Although the United States has firmly committed to shifting its focus eastward, it is making clear efforts to build up regional alternatives to protect its interests.

When polled, Emiratis demonstrate support for a renewed nuclear agreement with Iran, and opposition towards Islamist groups.

Understanding ideological shifts, regional geopolitics and the origins of the Turkey-UAE rift is critical to assessing the likely outcomes of recent diplomatic engagements between the two countries.