By Tumwesigye Anslem
Amidst intertwined international crises and complex conflicts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a powerful diplomatic mediator, capable of building bridges between warring parties. Abu Dhabi has transformed from a regional player into a global diplomatic force, driven by a flexible policy that combines a strong economy, balanced relationships, and a deep understanding of power dynamics. This role is not a coincidence but the result of a long-term strategic vision.
Recently, Moscow announced the successful exchange of 175 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, a deal facilitated by the UAE’s crucial mediation. The operation followed a phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the most significant role was played by the UAE, which worked quietly behind the scenes to organize and execute the exchange.
The UAE’s mediation was not limited to humanitarian aspects. The deal also included the transfer of 22 severely wounded Ukrainian prisoners as part of a Russian “goodwill gesture,” a move that Western media viewed as a humanitarian step that could pave the way for broader negotiations.
This success would not have been possible without the UAE’s ability to maintain balanced relations with both sides of the conflict, making it a neutral mediator trusted by all—from Kyiv to Moscow and from Washington to European capitals. The fact that the released Russian soldiers are in Belarus awaiting their return to Moscow also reflects international consensus on the UAE’s role, even among Russia’s allies.
The UAE not only mediated the exchange but also provided a model for a comprehensive political and humanitarian mediation approach—one that alleviates the suffering of prisoners while opening doors to closed diplomatic channels.
The UAE as a Diplomatic Bridge in the U.S.-Iran Tensions
Alongside its role in the Ukraine conflict, the UAE has proven that it is more than just a mediator between warring parties; it is also a reliable diplomatic channel in one of the world’s most complex crises: U.S.-Iran tensions.
A visit to Tehran by the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Dr. Anwar Gargash, carrying a direct message from former U.S. President Donald Trump, was no ordinary move. It came at a time of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions. Surprisingly, the visit was welcomed by Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated, “Our neighbors are our priority”—a clear indication that Tehran sees the UAE as a trustworthy mediator.
Why Did Washington Choose the UAE?
The answer lies in Abu Dhabi’s rare diplomatic equation:
• It normalized relations with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords, earning the trust of both the U.S. and Israel.
• It maintained communication channels with Tehran despite regional disputes, leveraging its strong economic ties with Iran.
This flexibility has made the UAE a bridge between adversaries who would otherwise be impossible to bring to the same table.
The UAE’s foreign policy has not always followed this path. Initially a strong supporter of the “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, Abu Dhabi recalibrated its approach following the 2019 attacks on Saudi oil facilities and rising threats to maritime security.
It adopted a “zero problems” policy, seeking to de-escalate tensions rather than intensify them, which made it acceptable to conflicting parties. This approach was not limited to Iran, Russia, and Ukraine but extended to other crises:
• A role in easing the Sudanese conflict.
• A balanced stance on the Syrian issue.
• A behind-the-scenes mediation to mend Gulf relations after the Qatar crisis.
What sets the UAE apart is not only its success in mediation but its ability to gain the trust of adversaries—a rare achievement in international diplomacy.
At a time when major powers struggle or hesitate to engage effectively, the UAE presents a model of a state that has played a role far greater than its geographic size, relying on economic strength and diplomatic acumen.
Although the road to lasting peace remains long and complex, the UAE’s achievements thus far represent a historic step toward global de-escalation.
The prisoner exchange between Moscow and Kyiv has rekindled hope for broader diplomatic channels, while the messages carried by Gargash to Tehran may open the door to easing U.S.-Iran tensions, potentially leading to wider Middle East settlements.
Today, the UAE is no longer just pursuing its own national interests—it has become a nation that crafts peace where major powers fail.
In a world searching for a way out of its crises, the UAE offers a political lesson:
“Geographic size is not a measure of influence—wisdom and flexibility are the keys to making peace.”
