1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction to the Topic
The Middle East has always been a focal point of global geopolitics, and its changing situation is like a complex chess game, where the movement of each chess piece can trigger a chain reaction. In recent years, with the adjustment of the international power balance, the situation in the Middle East has become increasingly volatile and full of variables.
As a former dominant force in the Middle East, the United States has gradually shifted its strategic focus to the east and relatively reduced its investment in the region, which has led to profound changes in the external pressure and environment faced by Middle Eastern countries. In this context, the desire for unity and cooperation within Middle Eastern countries is becoming increasingly strong. As important countries in the Middle East, the unity between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is not only related to their own development, but also has a crucial impact on the stability and prosperity of the entire Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia holds an important position in Middle Eastern affairs due to its abundant oil resources and significant religious status. The United Arab Emirates, with its diversified economy and active performance in international affairs, has become an undeniable force in the region. If the two countries can achieve unity, it will undoubtedly bring more stable factors to the Middle East, promote further economic development in the region, and enhance the voice of Middle Eastern countries in international affairs. But there are differences between the two countries in terms of history, religion, economy, etc., which also adds many challenges to their path of unity. In the current complex and ever-changing international situation, exploring whether Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can unite has extremely important practical significance.
1.2 Clarify the purpose
This article aims to comprehensively explore whether Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can achieve unity and the various challenges they may face in this process through in-depth analysis of historical and current data.
From a historical perspective, this article examines the evolution of the relationship between the two countries since independence, analyzes the historical factors that have influenced the development of the relationship, and explores whether these factors still play a role in the current situation. At the practical level, the focus will be on analyzing the changes in the international and regional situation, such as the adjustment of the global energy landscape, the shift in US Middle East policy, and the impact of external factors such as the Iranian nuclear issue on the relationship between the two countries. At the same time, in-depth analysis of the similarities and differences between the two countries in terms of political systems, religious beliefs, economic structures, and how these differences affect the unity and cooperation between the two sides.
By exploring these issues, we can clarify the necessity and feasibility of unity between the two countries, and provide some useful thoughts and references for the future development of bilateral relations. I also hope to provide a comprehensive and in-depth analytical perspective for researchers, policy makers, and others who are concerned about the situation in the Middle East, helping them better understand the complex situation in the region and contribute to promoting peace and development in the region.
2、 Evolution of Historical Relationships
2.1 Early Relationship after Independence
In the early days after independence, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates exhibited complex and subtle characteristics. On the one hand, both countries belong to Arab countries with similar cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs, and can reach consensus and cooperate in some regional affairs. Both countries are facing the heavy responsibility of national construction after independence, and need to learn from and support each other in terms of economy, politics, and other aspects. For example, in the development of oil resources, both sides have certain cooperation and exchanges, jointly promoting the development of the regional energy industry.
On the other hand, due to historical legacy issues and territorial disputes, there are also many contradictions and differences in the relationship between the two countries. As a major regional power, Saudi Arabia has abundant oil resources and an important religious position, occupying a dominant position in regional affairs. Although the United Arab Emirates is relatively small in size, its rapid economic development, especially the rise of regions such as Dubai, has gradually made it stand out on the international stage. This has to some extent raised Saudi Arabia’s vigilance and dissatisfaction, as there is competition between the two countries in terms of regional influence and other aspects.
In terms of political system, Saudi Arabia implements a monarchy where the king holds supreme power, while the United Arab Emirates is a federal state consisting of seven emirates, each with a certain degree of autonomy. The differences in this political system have also led to differences and contradictions in some policies between the two sides. However, overall, in the early stages after independence, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates fluctuated between cooperation and competition, laying the groundwork for the subsequent development of bilateral relations.
2.2 Impact of Key Events
In the historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, there have been many key events that have had a profound impact on the relationship between the two countries. The 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis was one of them. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries have severed diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed a blockade on Qatar, citing Qatar’s support for terrorism and interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. This incident has brought Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates closer together, forming a common position and interest in their confrontation with Qatar.
The 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Khashoggi also had a certain impact on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Although countries such as the United Arab Emirates have expressed support for Saudi Arabia, this incident has attracted widespread attention and condemnation from the international community, causing serious damage to Saudi Arabia’s international image. To some extent, this also makes countries such as the United Arab Emirates more cautious in handling their relations with Saudi Arabia, avoiding being involved in too many international disputes.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020 also had an impact on bilateral relations. In the early stages of the epidemic, Saudi Arabia strengthened cooperation with countries such as the United Arab Emirates to jointly address the challenges of the epidemic, such as sharing medical resources and coordinating epidemic prevention policies. But as the epidemic continues, the two countries are also facing enormous pressure in terms of economy and other aspects. In order to safeguard their own interests, the two countries have differences in certain policies, such as disputes over oil production cuts.
These key events have caused the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to constantly fluctuate between tension and easing. The two countries can strengthen cooperation in the face of common threats and challenges, but they are prone to differences and contradictions in issues involving their own interests and regional influence. The impact of these events on bilateral relations will continue to exist and become an important variable in the development of bilateral relations.
2.3 Areas of Cooperation and Conflict
In the political field, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have both cooperation and conflict. In terms of regional security issues, the two countries can strengthen cooperation, jointly respond to threats such as terrorism and extremism, and maintain regional peace and stability. For example, in the fight against the Houthi armed forces in Yemen, the two countries can coordinate their actions and provide military support and assistance. But there are also conflicts between the two countries in the competition for regional influence. Saudi Arabia hopes to play a leading role in regional affairs, while the United Arab Emirates hopes to enhance its own status and influence. The two countries have differences and competition on some regional hot issues.
In the economic field, cooperation and conflict coexist equally. In the energy industry, as important oil producing countries, the two countries can cooperate in setting oil prices, regulating production, and jointly maintaining the stability of the oil market. But with the changing global energy landscape, there is also competition between the two countries in areas such as energy transition and new energy development. The United Arab Emirates is actively developing a diversified economy and increasing investment in renewable energy, while Saudi Arabia still relies on the oil economy, and there are differences in economic development direction and strategy between the two countries.
In the military field, the two countries can strengthen cooperation in responding to external threats, such as jointly participating in military operations in the Yemen War. But there is also competition between the two countries in military equipment procurement, military strategy, and other aspects. Saudi Arabia has a huge military expenditure and has purchased a large amount of advanced weapons and equipment, while the United Arab Emirates is constantly improving its military strength. The two countries have a certain competitive relationship in the military field.
The emergence of these collaborations and conflicts mainly stems from the differences in national interests, geopolitics, economic development, and other aspects between the two countries. The two countries share common interests in maintaining regional stability and jointly responding to external threats, but they also have competition and contradictions in some areas in order to compete for regional influence and achieve their own economic development goals. How to balance these collaborations and conflicts will be an important issue in the development of bilateral relations.
3、 The current international and regional situation has an impact
3.1 Changes in US Middle East Policy
The changes in US Middle East policy have had a profound impact on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Since the 9/11 incident, the US Middle East policy has undergone a transformation from limited intervention to comprehensive intervention, and then to strategic contraction. During the Obama era, the United States withdrew from the Middle East, shifted its strategic focus eastward to the Asia Pacific region, and promoted the “Asia Pacific Rebalance”. The Trump administration, on the other hand, has returned to a hardline approach, implementing “maximum pressure” on Iran and unilaterally withdrawing from the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue.
After the Biden administration took office, its main focus was on addressing domestic issues, forcing the United States to seek low-cost maintenance of global hegemony and implement strategic contraction in the Middle East. Although the US military presence in the Middle East remains strong, the importance of the Middle East on the US global strategic chessboard has declined, and the phenomenon of Middle Eastern countries acting independently and ignoring US orders has become more prominent.
This policy change has led to a change in the degree of dependence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on the United States. In terms of security, the two countries are no longer completely dependent on the protection provided by the United States and are seeking to establish security cooperation with other countries to address regional threats. In terms of diplomatic relations, the two countries have become more independent, no longer completely following the footsteps of the United States in some regional affairs, but making decisions based on their own interests. The loosening of restrictions by the United States on the Middle East has to some extent prompted Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen their cooperation to jointly address regional challenges and safeguard their own interests.
3.2 Impact of the Iran nuclear issue
The Iranian nuclear issue has always been a hot topic in the Middle East, bringing many challenges and cooperation needs to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in terms of security and diplomacy.
From a security perspective, the potential for Iran to possess nuclear weapons has deeply concerned Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. There is competition and opposition between the two countries and Iran in terms of geopolitics and religious beliefs. Once Iran’s nuclear capability is breached, it will seriously threaten the national security of both countries and make the regional security situation even more tense.
In terms of diplomacy, the Iranian nuclear issue has strengthened Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates’ ties with Western countries such as the United States, seeking external support to address Iran’s nuclear threat. But at the same time, the two countries also realized that they cannot rely solely on external forces and began to seek cooperation within the region. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are actively promoting security cooperation among Gulf countries, such as participating in the formation of a new naval alliance, to jointly address regional security challenges, including the Iranian nuclear issue.
Faced with the challenges posed by the Iranian nuclear issue, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also have a need for cooperation in areas such as the economy. The two countries hope to enhance their economic strength and international status by strengthening economic cooperation, in order to better respond to the potential threat posed by Iran. In terms of energy markets and other aspects, the two countries may also strengthen coordination to jointly maintain the stability of the regional energy market.
3.3 Changes in the Global Energy Market
The changes in the global energy market have had a huge impact on energy cooperation and economic development between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
As the global economic recovery process is hindered and the geopolitical landscape accelerates, the global energy market is undergoing profound adjustments. The supply of oil has increased, while demand in developed economies has slowed down. The benchmark price of crude oil has fallen back to pre crisis levels in Ukraine, and the price of refined petroleum products has also fallen from historical highs. The global energy landscape is shifting from overall shortage to overall oversupply, with the rise of emerging energy, the transformation and upgrading of traditional energy, and the restructuring of the global energy governance system changing the pattern and trends of the global energy market.
For Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are highly dependent on the oil economy, this change means that their traditional energy advantages are gradually weakening, and the two countries must accelerate their energy transformation and economic diversification development. The United Arab Emirates has proposed a series of economic diversification strategies, such as a digital economy strategy, aimed at reducing its dependence on oil. Saudi Arabia has also proposed the “2030 Vision”, which plans to double the proportion of non oil industries in GDP and increase investment in non oil industries.
In terms of energy cooperation, the two countries need to strengthen cooperation in the field of new energy, jointly develop renewable energy technologies, and improve energy utilization efficiency. Saudi Arabia, with its advantageous geographical location and green hydrogen cost advantage, is expected to cooperate with the United Arab Emirates in hydrogen energy trade, achieving energy transformation and diversified economic development. By strengthening energy cooperation, the two countries can jointly address challenges and seek new development opportunities in the changing global energy market.
3.4 Impact on Regional Security Situation
The security threats such as terrorism and extremism in the Middle East have had a significant impact on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In recent years, terrorism and extremism have spread in the Middle East, causing serious damage and threats to various countries. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as important countries in the region, have not been spared either. Frequent terrorist attacks not only cause a large number of casualties and property damage, but also seriously affect the social stability and economic development of both countries.
Faced with these security threats, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened their counter-terrorism cooperation. The two countries actively participate in the formation and operation of regional counter-terrorism alliances, such as the Islamic Counter Terrorism Military Alliance initiated by Saudi Arabia, and other countries such as the United Arab Emirates also actively participate in it. The two countries have carried out in-depth cooperation in intelligence sharing, border control, and combating terrorist financing, jointly addressing the threats of terrorism and extremism.
In terms of security cooperation, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also strengthened military cooperation. The two countries jointly participated in military operations in the Yemen War, providing military support and assistance to combat terrorist forces such as the Houthis. By strengthening security cooperation, the two countries have to some extent maintained regional peace and stability, but they also face the risk of terrorism and extremism resurfacing, and need to remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation.
4、 Differences and Similarities in Political Systems and Religious Beliefs
4.1 Differences between Monarchies
Although Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are both monarchies, there are significant differences in their power structures and inheritance systems.
In terms of power structure, Saudi Arabia implements an absolute monarchy. As the head of state, the king has supreme power and holds the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the country. The king not only decides major national policies, but also directly controls the economic lifeline of the country, such as the development and distribution of oil resources. Saudi Arabia’s national institutions are also centered around the king, with the cabinet appointed by the king and accountable to him.
The United Arab Emirates is a federal constitutional monarchy consisting of seven emirates. Each emirate has its own monarch, who forms the Federal Supreme Council responsible for electing a president and vice president, with the president serving as the head of state. The Federal Supreme Council is also responsible for formulating federal laws and policies, reviewing important affairs such as the national budget. The President and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates are respectively held by the chiefs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The power structure of the United Arab Emirates is relatively decentralized, with each emirate having a certain degree of autonomy and the ability to independently formulate policies in areas such as education and health.
In terms of inheritance system, the succession to the Saudi Arabian throne follows the principle of “brothers in arms, brothers in arms”, where the royal committee selects a new king from among the king’s brothers or nephews after his death. This inheritance method has led to a certain degree of uncertainty in the succession of the Saudi throne, which has caused a crisis in the struggle for the throne. The position of chief in the United Arab Emirates is usually inherited within the family, such as the position of chief in Abu Dhabi being inherited by the Nahyan family, and the position of chief in Dubai being inherited by the Maktoum family, which is relatively stable.
4.2 Religious Faction Differences
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates each have their own characteristics in religious sects and policies, which have different impacts on their relations and domestic societies.
In terms of religious affiliation, Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni, accounting for approximately 85% to 90% of the population, with Wahhabi being the main branch of Sunni Islam in Saudi Arabia. Wahhabism emphasizes strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, advocates purifying Islam, opposes the worship of saints, holy tombs, and other behaviors, and has strong conservatism and exclusivity. The United Arab Emirates also has a Sunni majority, but the religious atmosphere is relatively open. In the United Arab Emirates, in addition to Sunni Muslims, there are also a small number of Shia Muslims, as well as followers of other religions such as Hinduism and Christianity.
In terms of religious policy, Saudi Arabia regards Islamic law as the fundamental law of the country and strictly follows Islamic rules. In public places, women are required to wear black robes and men are not allowed to have long hair; Prohibit behaviors such as drinking alcohol and gambling; Religious police are responsible for supervising people’s compliance with religious regulations. The religious policy in the United Arab Emirates is relatively relaxed, allowing people of different religious beliefs to freely engage in religious activities. In areas such as Dubai, there are religious sites such as Christian churches and Hindu temples, and the government also allocates land for other religious groups to build temples and churches.
These differences make the two countries different in their foreign exchanges and domestic governance. Saudi Arabia’s religious policies have made it often seen as a conservative Islamic country internationally, with differences in values compared to some highly secularized countries. The religious inclusiveness of the United Arab Emirates has attracted a large number of foreign populations and investments, promoting diversified economic development, but it also faces the challenge of balancing the interests of people of different religious beliefs.
4.3 Political Ideology Influence
The political ideologies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates differ in many aspects, which have a significant impact on bilateral relations and international positions.
Saudi Arabia has long been influenced by Wahhabism, a conservative and exclusive Islamic ideology. Wahhabism emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic doctrine and opposes innovation and the influence of foreign cultures. Under this ideology, Saudi Arabia often emphasizes the unity of Islamic countries in international affairs and adopts a cautious attitude towards non Islamic countries. At the same time, Saudi Arabia actively promotes Wahhabism, expanding its influence in the global Islamic world through funding for overseas mosques and Islamic schools.
The political ideology of the United Arab Emirates is relatively open and pragmatic. The UAE attaches great importance to economic development and international cooperation, actively attracts foreign investment, and promotes economic diversification. In international affairs, the United Arab Emirates tends to establish friendly relations with different countries to maintain its economic interests and regional stability. The UAE actively participates in international organizations and multilateral mechanisms, striving to enhance its influence on the international stage.
The difference in political ideology has led to divergent positions between the two countries on some issues. Saudi Arabia has long maintained a stance of opposition to Israel, while the United Arab Emirates normalized relations with Israel in 2020. On regional security issues, Saudi Arabia is more concerned about the threat posed by Shia countries such as Iran, while the United Arab Emirates is more focused on establishing extensive cooperative relationships with neighboring countries to maintain regional stability. However, there is also some room for cooperation between the two countries in jointly addressing threats such as terrorism and extremism.
4.4 Impact of Religious Factors
Religious factors play an undeniable role in the mutual perceptions and interactions between the people of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Islam and the location of the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina, has a deep emotional attachment and strong sense of mission towards religion among its people. The Wahhabi doctrine in Saudi Arabia emphasizes strict adherence to Islamic teachings, which makes the Saudi people pay more attention to whether their religious beliefs and behaviors comply with Islamic rules when interacting with people from other countries. For countries such as the United Arab Emirates that are relatively open to religion, the Saudi people may hold a critical attitude towards some of their actions that do not conform to Wahhabi doctrine.
Although the United Arab Emirates is also an Islamic country, its religious atmosphere is relatively relaxed, allowing people of different religious beliefs to freely engage in activities. This open environment enables the people of the UAE to be more tolerant and accepting of different religious cultures when interacting with people from other countries. When interacting with the Saudi people, the people of the United Arab Emirates may feel somewhat uncomfortable with Saudi Arabia’s religious conservatism, but while respecting Saudi religious traditions, they will also strive to maintain friendly relations between the two peoples.
However, with the deepening of globalization and cultural exchanges, the differences in religious beliefs between the two peoples are gradually narrowing. In some international activities and exchange projects, the two peoples are able to transcend religious differences, cooperate and exchange together, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship. However, religious factors remain an important aspect that affects the mutual views and interactions between the two peoples, and both sides need to give sufficient attention and respect in their interactions.
5、 Differences and Cooperation in Economic Structure and Energy Policies
5.1 Degree of dependence on petroleum economy
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are typical oil economy countries with a high degree of dependence on oil resources. As one of the world’s largest oil exporting countries, Saudi Arabia’s oil industry holds a pivotal position in the national economy. Oil export revenue is the main source of Saudi Arabia’s foreign exchange income, and the output value of the oil industry also accounts for a large proportion of the country’s gross domestic product. The United Arab Emirates is no exception, with abundant oil reserves and the oil industry being a pillar industry of the national economy.
However, there are also some differences in the degree of dependence on the oil economy between the two countries. Saudi Arabia’s oil industry is more developed, with oil production and export volumes far higher than those of the United Arab Emirates, and a relatively deeper dependence on the oil economy. Although the UAE’s oil economy is also important, due to its relatively high degree of economic diversification, the proportion of the oil economy in its national economy is slightly lower than that of Saudi Arabia.
With the changes in the global energy landscape and the acceleration of energy transformation, both countries are facing challenges brought about by their dependence on the oil economy. On the one hand, the global energy demand structure is undergoing changes, and the rise of new energy has had an impact on the traditional oil market. The fluctuation of oil prices has intensified, bringing uncertainty to the economic stability of both countries. On the other hand, excessive reliance on the oil economy has resulted in a relatively single economic structure and weak risk resistance in both countries. Once there are significant fluctuations in the oil market, it will have a serious impact on the economic development of both countries.
5.2 Economic Diversification Measures
Faced with the challenges brought by the dependence on the oil economy, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have actively taken measures to promote economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia released its Vision 2030 in 2016, proposing an ambitious economic transformation plan. The plan aims to reduce dependence on oil and achieve diversified economic development. Specific measures include promoting privatization, attracting foreign investment, expanding sovereign fund investment, developing mining and tourism industries, etc. Saudi Arabia also plans to list its state-owned Aramco oil company and raise funds through the capital market to promote the optimization and upgrading of its economic structure.
The United Arab Emirates is promoting economic diversification through the development of a series of long-term strategies, such as the “UAE Vision 2021,” “Our UAE 2031,” and the “UAE 2071 Centenary Plan. The UAE focuses on developing a knowledge-based economy, strengthening innovation and research and development investment, and promoting the development of high-tech industries. At the same time, the UAE is actively developing non oil industries such as services, finance, and tourism, attracting foreign investment into non oil sectors through measures such as optimizing the business environment and reforming foreign investment policies.
Both countries have achieved certain results in economic diversification. The non oil industry output value in Saudi Arabia has increased, and some emerging industries are developing well. The non oil economy of the United Arab Emirates continues to contribute to its gross domestic product, with a relatively high degree of economic diversification. However, the two countries also face some difficulties in the process of economic diversification, such as the inertia of traditional economic models, the difficulty of adjusting industrial structures, and issues related to talent cultivation and introduction, which both countries need to continuously strive to solve in their future development.
5.3 Energy Policy Competition
In terms of energy policy, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have both competition and room for cooperation.
The main competitive points are reflected in the following aspects: firstly, the competition in oil production and prices. As important oil producing countries, competition between the two countries in the oil market is inevitable. In order to maintain their market share and oil revenue, there is a certain game between the two countries in terms of oil production and price setting. The second is the competition in energy transition. With the acceleration of global energy transition, both countries are actively developing new energy industries and striving to occupy a favorable position in the future energy market. There is also a certain competitive relationship between the two countries in the research and application of new energy technologies.
However, there is also room for cooperation between the two countries in energy policies. On the one hand, in the face of fluctuations and uncertainties in the global energy market, the two countries can jointly address market risks and stabilize oil prices by strengthening cooperation. For example, in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the two countries can coordinate their positions, jointly formulate oil production policies, and maintain the stability of the oil market. On the other hand, in the field of new energy, the two countries can strengthen technological exchanges and cooperation, jointly develop new energy technologies, and promote energy transformation. For example, Saudi Arabia has advantages in solar energy resources, while the United Arab Emirates has certain potential in wind energy resources. The two countries can cooperate in the development of new energy to achieve complementary advantages.
5.4 Promoting role of economic cooperation
Economic cooperation plays an important role in promoting political and security unity between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In terms of politics, economic cooperation can promote mutual understanding and trust between two countries. Through economic cooperation, the two countries have established close ties in areas such as trade and investment, which helps to enhance friendly relations between the two countries and reduce political differences and conflicts. For example, in some regional economic cooperation projects that involve joint participation, the two countries can strengthen communication and coordination, jointly address challenges, and promote the stable development of political relations.
In terms of security, economic cooperation helps to enhance the common security awareness of both countries. Through economic cooperation, the two countries have established an interdependent relationship in areas such as energy and infrastructure, which enables them to unite more closely and jointly address challenges when facing external security threats. For example, in terms of energy security, the two countries can enhance their energy security by strengthening energy cooperation and jointly ensuring stable energy supply. In addition, economic cooperation also helps promote regional peace and stability, creating favorable conditions for the security environment of both countries.
Economic cooperation can also promote cooperation between the two countries in other fields, such as cultural exchange and educational cooperation, further deepening the friendly relationship between the two countries and promoting unity and cooperation in more areas.
6、 Impact of regional security threats
6.1 Common points of anti-terrorism policies
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates share many similarities in their counter-terrorism policies, which lays a solid foundation for the two countries to carry out counter-terrorism cooperation.
Both countries firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and regard counter-terrorism as the top priority of national security. Saudi Arabia has incorporated counter-terrorism into its national strategy and established a relatively complete legal system for counter-terrorism through legislation and institutional construction. The United Arab Emirates also attaches great importance to counter-terrorism legislation and has formulated a series of laws and regulations to clarify the definition and punishment measures of terrorism.
In terms of counter-terrorism measures, both countries attach great importance to a multi pronged approach, comprehensively using military, law enforcement, intelligence and other means to combat terrorism. Saudi Arabia has established a specialized anti-terrorism force to strengthen border control and prevent terrorist infiltration. The United Arab Emirates focuses on intelligence collection and analysis, strengthens intelligence exchange and cooperation with the international community, and timely detects and combats terrorist activities.
Both countries attach great importance to counter-terrorism propaganda and education, and disseminate counter-terrorism knowledge to the public through media, schools, and other channels to enhance their awareness and prevention capabilities. In terms of international counter-terrorism cooperation, both countries actively participate in international counter-terrorism mechanisms and strengthen cooperation with countries and regional organizations such as the United States and the European Union to jointly address the global threat of terrorism.
These commonalities provide Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with extensive cooperation space in the field of counter-terrorism. By strengthening cooperation, the two countries can more effectively combat terrorism and maintain regional security and stability.
6.2 Threat from Terrorist Organizations
Terrorist organizations in the Middle East pose a serious threat and challenge to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
As a former major terrorist organization in the Middle East, although the Islamic State has suffered heavy losses in recent years, its residual forces still exist and have a certain intention and ability to launch international terrorist attacks. Its branch organizations operate frequently in the surrounding areas of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, posing a threat to border security and social stability between the two countries.
Al Qaeda and its branches also operate in the Middle East, attacking targets such as energy facilities and diplomatic institutions in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 2019, Al Qaeda attacked two oil facilities of Saudi Aramco, causing significant fluctuations in international oil prices and severely affecting Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and economic development.
Although the Houthis mainly operate in Yemen, their connections with external forces such as Iran pose a threat to the security of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Houthi militants frequently launch missiles and drones to attack targets within Saudi Arabia, causing huge losses to the country’s economy and the safety of people’s lives and property.
The existence of these terrorist organizations poses a severe security situation for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Terrorist attacks not only cause casualties and property damage, but also affect the social stability and economic development of both countries, posing enormous challenges to their national security.
6.3 Security Cooperation Measures
Faced with regional security threats, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have taken a series of security cooperation measures and achieved positive results.
In the military field, the two countries have strengthened joint military exercises and training to enhance their collaborative combat capabilities. The Islamic Counter Terrorism Military Alliance initiated by Saudi Arabia, with active participation from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, is working together to combat terrorism and extremist forces through joint military operations. In the Yemen War, the two countries jointly participated in military operations, providing military support and assistance, effectively combating terrorist forces such as the Houthis.
In terms of intelligence sharing, the two countries have established a relatively complete intelligence exchange mechanism to timely share intelligence information related to terrorism and extremism. Through intelligence sharing, the two countries can more accurately grasp the movements of terrorist organizations and prepare in advance for prevention and crackdown.
In terms of border control, the two countries have strengthened patrols and monitoring in border areas to prevent the influx of terrorists and weapons. The border area between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has complex terrain, making it easy for terrorists to infiltrate. By strengthening border control, the two countries have effectively curbed the activities of terrorists and maintained security in border areas.
The implementation of these security cooperation measures has effectively enhanced the ability of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to respond to regional security threats, maintained the security and stability of both countries, and created favorable conditions for regional peace and development.
6.4 Security Cooperation Promotes Unity
Security cooperation has played an important role in enhancing the political, economic, and other solidarity between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Politically, security cooperation promotes mutual trust and friendly relations between the two countries. By jointly addressing security threats such as terrorism, the two countries have closer political cooperation. In some regional affairs and international issues, the two countries can strengthen communication and coordination to jointly safeguard their own interests. This political unity helps both countries to play a greater role on the international stage and enhance their influence in regional and international affairs.
Economically, security cooperation has created a stable environment for the economic development of both countries. Terrorism and extremism have caused serious damage to the economies of both countries, but security cooperation has effectively contained these threats, allowing the economies of both countries to develop in a relatively stable environment. The energy industry of both countries is the pillar of economic development, and security cooperation ensures the safety of energy facilities, promotes the stable development of the energy industry, and provides strong support for the economic growth of both countries.
Security cooperation also helps to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in other fields, such as cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, etc. Through security cooperation, the friendly relationship between the two countries continues to deepen, creating favorable conditions for cooperation in other fields and further promoting unity and cooperation between the two countries in multiple areas.
7、 Conclusion and Prospect
7.1 Summary of the possibility of unity between the two countries
There are many favorable factors for the unity between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The adjustment of US Middle East policy has reduced the dependence of both countries on the US, prompting them to strengthen internal cooperation to address regional challenges; Faced with common security threats such as the Iranian nuclear issue, the two countries have a need to unite and resist the enemy; The changes in the global energy market are driving the two countries to seek cooperation space in areas such as energy transformation; Counter terrorism and other security cooperation have also strengthened mutual trust and dependence.
The unfavorable factors cannot be ignored either. In terms of political system, there are differences between Saudi Arabia’s absolute monarchy and the UAE’s federal constitutional monarchy, and differences in power structure and inheritance system can easily lead to disagreements. In terms of religion, Saudi Arabia’s strict Wahhabi doctrine contradicts the relatively open religious policy of the United Arab Emirates in terms of foreign relations and domestic governance. Economically, although both are committed to economic diversification, there are conflicts of interest in areas such as dependence on the oil economy and energy policy competition. These factors make the road to unity between the two countries not smooth.
7.2 Emphasize the necessity of unity
The unity between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is of great significance for regional stability. If the two countries can unite, they can effectively curb security threats such as terrorism and extremism, maintain regional peace, and create a favorable environment for the development of other countries. In the regional political landscape, the unity of the two countries can enhance the overall discourse power of Arab countries, jointly cope with external pressures, resist interference from major powers, and avoid deeper turmoil in the region.
Unity is equally essential for economic development. The two countries have strong economic complementarity, and unity can promote trade exchanges, optimize resource allocation, promote cooperation in energy and other industries, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win economic outcomes. In the current complex and ever-changing global economic situation, solidarity helps both countries to jointly resist economic risks, enhance economic resilience, achieve sustainable economic development, and inject strong impetus into regional economic prosperity.
7.3 Outlook for Future Cooperation Prospects
In the political field, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are expected to further strengthen dialogue and consultation, coordinate their positions in regional affairs, jointly safeguard the interests of Arab countries, and promote regional political stability. In terms of economy, with the promotion of the diversification strategy of the two countries’ economies, there is enormous potential for cooperation in areas such as new energy, technological innovation, and financial services. More cooperation projects may be launched to achieve complementary advantages.
In terms of security cooperation, cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism and border control will continue to deepen. The two countries may strengthen cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and other aspects to enhance their ability to jointly respond to security threats. In terms of cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and other aspects, with the continuous development of bilateral relations, more achievements are expected to be made, further enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and laying a more solid civilian foundation for the unity of the two countries.
7.4 Propose suggestions to promote unity
To promote unity between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the two countries should strengthen political dialogue and enhance political mutual trust. Respect each other’s political system differences, seek common ground while reserving differences, and resolve issues related to national interests and regional affairs through equal consultation.
In the field of religion, the two countries can advocate religious tolerance and inclusiveness, strengthen religious and cultural exchanges, enhance understanding and respect among people of different religious beliefs, and reduce conflicts caused by religious differences.
Economically, the two countries should deepen economic cooperation, establish closer trade and investment relations, jointly respond to changes in the global energy market, strengthen energy transformation and diversified economic cooperation. We can also strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction, technological research and development, and other fields to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
In terms of security, we will continue to consolidate the achievements of counter-terrorism and other security cooperation, establish a long-term stable security cooperation mechanism, jointly respond to regional security threats, maintain regional peace and stability, and create a good security environment for the unity of the two countries.
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