UAE: First gulf state to inaugurate its embassy in Israel

The United Arab Emirates opened its embassy on Wednesday, in Tel Aviv’s new stock exchange building in the latest normalisation move and becomes the first gulf country to inaugurate an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag raising ceremony also attended by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog.

The two countries announced they would establish formal diplomatic relations and after less than a half year UAE inaugurated its embassy.

The new UAE embassy in the heart of Israel’s financial district highlighted the central role economic cooperation has played since the UAE became only the third majority – Arab nation to recognise Israel.

The opening of the embassy is “An important event in growing relationship between our two countries”, said Emirati Ambassador Mohammed al-Khaja.

Since the normalisation of ties…we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investments opportunities. We signed major agreements across various fields including economy, air travel, technology and culture, he said.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said it is “an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace, prosperity and security”.

“Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far- fetched dream about a year ago”, he said.

The UAE normalised relations with Israel last year under “Abraham Accords” crafted by the administration of then – US President Donald Trump.

Palestinians deplored this move; they want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first.

Yair Lapid Israeli Foreign Minister told Emirati media last month that bilateral trade has reached more than $675.22m since the signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020 and he expected more deals.