Israeli President’s visit emphasises new reality for the Middle East

The visit by President Isaac Herzog indicates that bilateral relations are flourishing and both sides are ready to enjoy the benefits of continued cooperation

Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrives in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, marking the first-ever official visit by an Israeli president to the Gulf state.

Arriving at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the President’s two-day visit will include meetings with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, senior government officials, and members of the growing Jewish community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For Herzog, this visit is a natural continuation as the President helped raise the UAE flag in Tel Aviv during the inauguration of the UAE Embassy in July of 2021. Herzog had taken office just one week earlier and described the historic event as a dream-turned reality after standing for both National Anthems, ‘Ishy Biladi’ and ‘Hatikvah’.

While the anticipated meeting between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Herzog will be their first in-person encounter, it is not the first time the two leaders speak.

Since stepping into the role of President, Herzog and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed have spoken on several occasions; in the first phone call between the two leaders, President Herzog congratulated His Highness on the occasion of UAE’s Golden Jubilee, the two leaders spoke again when Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed called to offer condolences over the passing of Herzog’s mother, and most recently, Israeli president Herzog called Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to express support for the UAE, and condemn the recent Houthi terrorist attacks on Abu Dhabi.

Herzog’s visit articulates the continued deepening of bilateral ties between the two countries and follows several other foundational milestones, including a first visit by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, A visit by Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, a UAE ministerial-led business delegation to Tel Aviv, and the opening of respective diplomatic missions.

Celebrating nearly a year and a half of diplomatic ties, President Herzog will launch Israel National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai and is one of more than 26 heads of State to visit the global site.

Trade Boost

While significant diplomatic efforts are made at the state level, a visa waiver has already been signed to encourage tourism, and a free trade agreement is being finalized between both countries aiming to bolster business activity and further attract small and medium businesses (SME’s) who have largely been left out of the current trade flow.

If year one of the Abraham Accords included building the foundation, learning about the other side and exploring potential business opportunities in the newly opened market, year two will focus on joint projects, mutual investments and further grassroots initiatives that will benefit both societies.