The recent war between Iran and the Israeli occupation represented a serious test for the Abraham Accords, according to an Israeli report. Yet, under the Israeli account, the conflict ultimately strengthened security relations between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv after Israel provided direct military assistance to the United Arab Emirates against Iranian attacks.
Israeli writer Eli Leon said in a report published by Maariv on Tuesday that Israel supplied the UAE with Iron Dome systems and the Magen Or laser defence system, also known as Or Eitan, during the opening weeks of the war.
The systems were reportedly used to help intercept Iranian missiles and drones targeting Emirati territory.
The report said this military assistance prompted the UAE to expand its security cooperation with Israel. Activity at the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi reportedly doubled, while Israeli security companies expanded their operations inside the Gulf state.
Citing the Financial Times, the report said the UAE had become Israel’s closest regional ally since the normalisation agreements were signed in 2020.
An Israeli source told the newspaper that security cooperation established before the war had expanded into technology, artificial intelligence, ports, infrastructure and defence.
A Multilayered Defence System
The report said Iran launched approximately 3,000 missiles and drones towards the UAE during the war.
A multilayered defence network comprising US, Israeli, South Korean and Ukrainian systems, supported by British and French air power, reportedly intercepted most of them.
According to the report, Abu Dhabi concluded that Israel and the United States had provided the most significant direct military assistance during the crisis.
It added that US President Donald Trump’s administration granted the UAE easier access to US military equipment and advanced electronic chips after the war.
Washington reportedly described the move as a reward for the UAE’s role in supporting US interests during the confrontation with Iran.
Despite the growing security cooperation, the report said relations between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv remained marked by political tensions.
It quoted Emirati officials accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dragging the region into war with Iran and expressing concern that his government’s policies could embarrass the UAE before Arab public opinion.
These tensions had reportedly existed since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip following the 7 October 2023 attack.
Nevertheless, the Emirati leadership continues to regard its relationship with Israel as a long-term strategic choice, according to the report.
Abu Dhabi Maintains Channels With Tehran
While deepening cooperation with Israel and the United States, the UAE has continued rebuilding its economic and diplomatic relations with Iran.
The report said Dubai reopened its commercial offices, resumed commercial shipping to Iran and permitted the return of approximately 20,000 Iranian residents who had been stranded outside the country since the war began.
It stressed that these measures did not reflect Emirati trust in Tehran.
Instead, they were presented as an attempt to reduce the likelihood of another confrontation through a policy based on three pillars: building deterrence, maintaining channels of dialogue and using the UAE’s economic power.
Emirati officials reportedly believe the war weakened Iran militarily but did not bring down its government, making continued communication with Tehran a strategic necessity.
Trade With Iran Remains a Priority for Dubai
The report said commercial relations with Iran remain particularly important to Dubai, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Iranians.
Dubai’s ports also serve as major centres for re-exporting goods to the Iranian market.
Despite continuing sanctions, Emirati officials reportedly expressed an interest in future investment in Iran’s energy, ports and logistics sectors, provided tensions end and US and international sanctions are lifted.
An Emirati businessman quoted by the Financial Times said replacing Iranian products in the UAE market would not be easy, particularly in food and other low-cost essential goods.
Preparing for Another War
The war prompted the UAE to reassess its security and economic strategy, according to the report.
Abu Dhabi is working to strengthen protection for critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines and data centres.
It is also seeking to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure during the war disrupted operations at Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest ports in the region.
DP World is developing two new terminals in Fujairah, while ADNOC is accelerating a new pipeline project that would double the emirate’s oil export capacity.
The UAE is also expanding food storage facilities and establishing alternative supply chains.
Although economic activity has gradually recovered, the report said the effects of the war remained visible.
Revenue in the tourism and restaurant sectors declined, foreign capital left the market and some companies were forced to reduce wages.
The report concluded that the UAE’s post-war strategy rests on maintaining a careful balance between deepening its security alliance with Israel and the United States and preserving practical relations with Iran.
At the same time, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its ability to withstand any future conflict.
The report said the UAE now views Israeli support as strategically valuable, while remaining unwilling to abandon dialogue with Tehran because of geography and economic interests.
