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We don't have a 'UAE agenda' in Gaza: Top diplomat
At the World Government Summit, Dr Gargash dismissed rumours of the UAE considering a civilian administration role in the territory
- PUBLISHED: Tue 3 Feb 2026, 10:51 AM UPDATED: Tue 3 Feb 2026, 11:55 AM
- By:
- Ruqayya Al Qaydi
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Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, has refuted claims that the UAE is pursuing a unilateral agenda in Gaza, emphasising the nation’s commitment to a collaborative approach to regional stability.
Speaking at a panel discussion at the World Government Summit, Dr Gargash addressed and dismissed rumours of the UAE considering a civilian administration role in the territory, stating firmly, “it’s not true.”
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Dr Gargash highlighted the UAE's significant and long-standing humanitarian contributions to Gaza, noting that the country has provided approximately 45 per cent of all aid to the region during its most difficult periods.
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He stressed that the UAE does not have a unilateral "agenda" in Gaza and that any path forward must be a collective, multilateral effort. "We have to work with the Palestinians, we have to work with the Egyptians, Israelis, the Jordanians, and of course an American leadership scheme," he explained.
Dr Gargash framed the conflict as a core regional issue, stating, "I think within our region, we have to find a way forward on the Palestinian issue because I think it’s is extremely important to the core." He strongly advocated for a political resolution over military conflict, adding, "It cannot be done through confrontation, as we've seen time and time again."
Iran and regional de-escalation
Addressing another major point of regional tension, Dr Gargash called for calm and diplomacy in dealing with Iran. "I think that the region has gone through various calamitous confrontations. I don't think we need another one," he stated, urging direct negotiations between the United States and Iran to resolve the long-standing nuclear issue and prevent it from being a recurring source of instability.
From his perspective, a diplomatic solution is not only preferable but also necessary for Iran itself. “I think from everything that I know, Iran today needs to reach a deal,” he assessed. “I think Iran, on the one hand, has suffered geopolitically, and at the same time, its economy needs to rebuild itself and to rebuild that, they need to rebuild their relationship with the United States.”
Confronting anti-UAE rhetoric
Dr. Gargash also took aim at what he described as coordinated campaigns of anti-UAE rhetoric on social and traditional media. Responding to the question of when is the UAE will respond, he urged observers to “separate the noise from reality,” dismissing the attacks as a “potpourri of different excuses for our regional role,” which he attributed to the UAE's economic success and its programs promoting diversity.
To illustrate his point, he described how a massive wave of 45 thousands daily tweets critical of the UAE's position on Sudan suddenly plummeted to 3,000 when a new campaign targeting its role in Yemen emerged. “So the whole group moved on to another fight,” he remarked.
The UAE’s global vision
Dr Gargash affirmed the nation's commitment to pursuing bold economic policies, diversification, and building a multilateral world order by "building branches, building networks."
He reiterated the UAE's dedication to championing peace and countering extremism, specifically mentioning the Muslim Brotherhood. While acknowledging that such a proactive foreign policy inevitably attracts criticism, he affirmed the UAE’s unwavering resolve. “You either do the right thing, or you can dig a hole and stay in the hole,” he declared. “So, we will not dig a hole and stay in the hole. We’ll do the right thing.”
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.
