Ebtesam Al Ketbi

Ebtesam Al Ketbi

Contributor


Sheikh Mohamed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, meeting Joe Biden in Abu Dhabi in March 2016, when Mr Biden was US vice president. Photo: Crown Prince Court
We must redefine the common interests that underpin UAE-US ties

As America has shifted its global priorities over the past two decades, the UAE’s status, network of interests and strategic goals have also evolved

September 21, 2024
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has visited the shrine of Mahatma Gandhi and planted tree saplings at Raj Ghat memorial in New Delhi, India. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
UAE-India ties are growing stronger in more than one key area

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled’s visit to India was about co-operation and enhancing understanding

September 16, 2024
Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian's gestures should be viewed optimistically and should prompt careful observations of the signals coming out of Iran. AP
Iran’s President-elect must show that he can act with authority

The problem with dialogue with Tehran lies in the uncertainty that the government has a mandate to negotiate on all issues

July 23, 2024
A Houthi supporter holds up a mock missile during a protest in Sanaa on March 8. Addressing threats to Red Sea shipping is just one challenge where collaborative security measures are essential. EPA
It's time to revive the Gulf's ties with Nato

Years of inaction and the Middle East's changing security dynamics mean we must reinvigorate the Istanbul Co-operation Initiative

July 04, 2024
Members of the UN Security Council hold sideline meetings last December in New York City. Getty Images via AFP
The UAE's call for reforms in the international order is a bid for justice

Veto powers of permanent members at the UN Security Council need to be checked

May 28, 2024
President Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to Sultan Haitham of Oman, at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi. UAE Presidential Court
Gulf visits counter the pessimism of violent conflicts

A visit to the UAE by Sultan Haitham of Oman and an Asian tour by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim are two examples of approach defined by engagement and calls for de-escalation

April 24, 2024
President Sheikh Mohamed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi witness a MoU exchange ceremony in Gandhinagar, India, earlier this month. UAE Presidential Court
In 2024, diplomacy and economic co-operation will define UAE foreign policy

The country will continue to prepare for the future even as global and regional difficulties are being resolved

January 18, 2024
The burning of Islam’s holy book by a man in Sweden sparked protests across the Muslim world. AP
Diplomacy and legal reform can prevent Europe’s next Quran burning

Lawmakers, religious leaders and intellectuals should work together to set a new standard for mutual respect

July 06, 2023
A view shows the exterior of the Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex that contains a synagogue, left, a mosque, center, and a church, right, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 21, 2023.  REUTERS / Amr Alfiky
What Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House means for diplomacy

Respect for religion plays an important role in sustaining peace

February 28, 2023
Women take photos by the National Day decorations at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
UAE National Day: a time for celebration and motivation

Reflecting on progress over the past 51 years can build momentum for the future

December 01, 2022
US President Joe Biden is set to embark on a Middle East tour in July. AFP
How to know if Biden's Middle East trip is a success

From Arab states' perspective, it is about more than reinforcing recent gains in peace

July 12, 2022
The UAE has been a major provider of humanitarian aid in the region. EPA
Why is UAE foreign policy so often misunderstood?

The Emirates has always adopted a defensive strategy in its regional roles, writes Ebtesam Al Ketbi

November 11, 2021
Israeli soldiers fire a 155mm self-propelled Howitzer towards the Gaza Strip from their position along the border, on May 18, 2021. AFP
Will Israel’s actions in Gaza affect the Abraham Accords?

The Arab world and Israel have significant mutual interests, but Tel Aviv’s actions will distract from that message

May 19, 2021
Iran is widely believed to be arming militant groups across the Middle East. AFP 
The Gulf's voice must be heard in Iran negotiations

No agreement with Tehran will be tenable without GCC participation

April 13, 2021
The flags of the United States, Bahrain, Israel and the UAE during a signing ceremony of the Abraham Accord on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on September 15, 2020. EPA
Could the Abraham Accord be a game-changer?

The agreement between the UAE and Israel is resetting the Middle East's geopolitics across a range of hot-button issues

September 29, 2020