The UAE and the formulas of power and success

The United Arab Emirates’ international and regional power formulas are a lot different than the past. It is currently a very strong and influential state thanks to the awareness of its leaders, special alliances and rapid development. The UAE has emerged as a model to the world of our times.

Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed efforts are on to further develop this model of a state. They are fully aware and keen to chart the future with innovative solutions to all the problems the world suffers from.

Keenness to undertake development projects and succeeding at innovation are important traits but what is parallel to it is maintaining heritage and culture and strengthening values. Adhering to the tenets of Islam and defending it is parallel to openness and co-existence with all religions, cultures and civilizations.

As the world takes pride in modern communication, the UAE takes pride in embracing different nationalities, which amounts to more than those recognized by an international organization the size of the UN.

The World Government Summit recently concluded in Dubai. The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) kicked off in Abu Dhabi. This is an effective way to build and develop the Emirati model, which can be added to other models of cultural, political, military and economic development in modern times, such as the Japanese or Singaporean models or other models around the world.

Conscious thoughts and comprehensive vision are what make nations, governments and people’s lives different. Finding creative solutions to realistic and philosophical problems are what either push toward success and victory or loss and defeat. Imagination and its capacity to deliver must be governed by balanced realism and rationalism in order to achieve distinguished success and create a unique model.

The UAE found its special solution focusing on development in all its dimensions and which, at the same time, depends on gradual political development. This is an exemplary solution for many countries in the region. It’s a solution through which future can be easily foreseen without having to leap into the unknown. The models that sought to leap into democracy are shameful models. The Afghani and Iraqi models are examples of this and they do not inspire anyone across the world.

Tradition and modernity

The UAE has also created its special solution in terms of tradition and modernism. The UAE is a modern and civil state by all standards. There is tolerance and co-existence among all religions and cultures and everyone finds their chance there on the condition that they abide by law and do not harm anyone.

At the same time, many programs have been launched and included in the work of governments, public institutions, charity organizations and others to teach young people the established habits, inherited traditions, values and high morals. The aim is to raise generations that stand on solid ground in terms of their awareness and culture and that look forward to a bright future.

As for the military aspect, the Emirati army has been well-known for its efficient participation in UN forces in different areas across the world, such as its participation in the second Gulf war, liberation of Kuwait in addition to its participation in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

All this was culminates into its major participation in the Operation Decisive Storm, which aims to restore legitimacy in Yemen by working with the Arab coalition. The UAE is the second country, after Saudi Arabia, to fully participate in defeating Iran’s agents, Houthi militias and forces loyal to deposed president Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Yemen. As a result, victory is near.
This is the Emirati model, which despite all its distinctions, continues to undergo development and renewal.

This article is also available in Arabic.
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Abdullah bin Bijad al-Otaibi is a Saudi writer and researcher. He is a member of the board of advisors at Al-Mesbar Studies and Research Center.