By Avi kaner
I want to begin by expressing genuine appreciation for the leadership the United Arab Emirates has shown in recent years across the Middle East, the Red Sea basin, and the Horn of Africa. At a time when many nations hesitate to take on difficult responsibilities, the UAE has stepped forward with diplomacy, humanitarian support, and a clear commitment to stability in Yemen and Sudan. These actions matter not only locally, but across the broader region and internationally.
In Yemen, the UAE’s role has been focused, disciplined, and results-oriented. It has worked to counter extremist groups, support local stability, and help secure the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb, one of the most important maritime corridors in the world.
These waterways are essential for global trade, energy flows, and regional economic security. Instability there affects countries far beyond Yemen itself. By contributing to their security, the UAE has helped reduce risk for the region and for the international community.
At the same time, the UAE has been one of the largest providers of humanitarian assistance to Yemen, delivering food, medical care, clean water, and infrastructure support to millions of civilians. This combination of security support and humanitarian engagement reflects a practical understanding of what long-term stability requires.
In Sudan, the UAE has played an important diplomatic and humanitarian role during a period of devastating conflict. As violence displaced millions and threatened full state collapse, the UAE supported ceasefire efforts, facilitated evacuations, and delivered urgent humanitarian aid.
Emirati relief organizations have provided food assistance, healthcare, water, sanitation, and support for displaced families, while UAE diplomacy has consistently emphasized the protection of civilians and the need to prevent the conflict from spreading beyond Sudan’s borders.
Stability in Sudan is critical for the Red Sea region, the Horn of Africa, migration flows, and regional security more broadly. The UAE’s engagement has helped limit wider fallout from a deeply dangerous crisis.
What connects the UAE’s actions in Yemen and Sudan is a clear sense of responsibility. Preventing power vacuums, limiting extremism, protecting civilians, and addressing crises before they escalate.
These efforts align with regional interests and are consistent with the security and economic priorities of international partners, including the United States.
The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated that serious regional leadership is measured by action, not rhetoric. In Yemen and Sudan, its engagement has contributed to stability, reduced risk, and improved humanitarian outcomes.
For that leadership, and for the willingness to act when it counts, the UAE deserves recognition and gratitude from across the region and beyond.
