After a six-year-long break in ties, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar have announced the reopening of their embassies. The move comes after the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt, imposed a boycott and blockade of Qatar in 2017 over allegations of supporting “terrorist” groups and becoming too close to Iran. Qatar has vehemently denied all the allegations, and the boycott was officially lifted in January 2021. The reopening of diplomatic missions between the two countries is a significant step towards easing Gulf rivalries.
Restoration of Diplomatic Representation
The Qatari embassy in Abu Dhabi and a Qatari consulate in Dubai, as well as an Emirati embassy in Doha, have resumed operations. However, the statements did not confirm if ambassadors were in place or if the missions were open to the public. The two countries’ foreign ministers spoke by phone to congratulate one another on the reopening of the diplomatic missions, Qatar said. The UAE’s official WAM news agency released a statement saying, “The United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar announced the restoration of diplomatic representation between the two countries.”
Boycott and Blockade of Qatar
The boycott and blockade of Qatar began in 2017 when the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt accused Qatar of supporting “terrorist” groups and becoming too close to Iran. Qatar has denied all the allegations, and the boycott was officially lifted in January 2021. Qatar weathered the unprecedented diplomatic crisis thanks to its gas riches and close ties with Turkey and Iran.
Easing Gulf Rivalries
The reopening of diplomatic missions comes at a time of easing Gulf rivalries after Saudi Arabia and Iran announced in March the end of a seven-year break in ties. A round of reconciliations has followed, including Qatar and Bahrain resuming relations in April. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan visited Iran on Saturday, meeting President Ebrahim Raisi in another major step in their rapprochement. Iran reopened its Riyadh embassy this month. The detente between Riyadh and Tehran appears momentous because they have long vied for influence around the region, backing opposing sides in conflicts, including Yemen.
The Arab League Brings Syria Back into Its Fold
Last month, the Arab League brought Syria back into its fold after 12 years. The move was seen as a significant step towards ending Syria’s isolation in the Arab world. The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership in 2011 after the government’s crackdown on protests that led to a civil war. The move to restore Syria’s membership came after a series of talks between Arab League officials and Syrian officials.
Conclusion
The reopening of diplomatic missions between the UAE and Qatar is a significant step towards easing Gulf rivalries. The boycott and blockade of Qatar began in 2017 when the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt accused Qatar of supporting “terrorist” groups and becoming too close to Iran. Qatar has denied all the allegations, and the boycott was officially lifted in January 2021. The detente between Riyadh and Tehran appears momentous because they have long vied for influence around the region, backing opposing sides in conflicts, including Yemen. The Arab League bringing Syria back into its fold after 12 years is also a significant step towards ending Syria’s isolation in the Arab world.