FOREIGN POLICY OF UAE

UAE FOREIGN POLICY ORIGINS

The UAE adopted the thoughts and approaches set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in building its foreign policies for dealing with other countries, peoples and regimes.

FOUNDATIONS OF UAE FOREIGN POLICY

good neighborliness
understanding non-interference in internal issues as well as the amicable resolution of disputes.

FRUITS OF UAE FOREIGN POLICY

mutual openness between the UAE and the world

strategic partnerships on the political, economic, trade, cultural, scientific, educational and health levels with many countries in all continents the prominent position the country has gained in the international community.

H.H. SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS,

Consistent foreign policy not governed by mood

The UAE holds an influential position in several international and regional organizations, and have many friends all over the world. We look forward to bolstering our relations with the fast growing countries, such as India, Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa.

UAE FOREIGN POLICY : A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR THE COUNTRY

since its establishment, the UAE has adopted a well-balanced policy towards regional and international issues, which has earned utmost respect and appreciation, and made it an influential player on various international arenas.

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

The foreign policy of the UAE prides itself with justice, protection and respect of human rights and their implementation by means of regulations that emphasize equality and justice among the people of the country.
The UAE Constitution outlines the freedoms and rights of all citizens, prohibits torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, respects civil liberties, including freedom of speech and press, peaceful assembly and association, and the practice of religious beliefs

PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

Mindful of the significance of its human rights record, the UAE is investing its energies in the bringing up to date of its own laws and practices. The Government is also aware of the need to place a high priority on respect for human rights in accordance with international human charters and customs. This is based upon the countrys cultural heritage and religious values, which enshrine justice, equality and tolerance.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS

The UAE has shown interest toward environmental issues, through ambitious strategic programs including the launch, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature, of a sustainable development action plan to develop Masdar City, which will be the world's first carbon-free, wastefree city, wholly dependent on renewable and clean energy technologies, such as solar energy to generate power and desalinate water.

FOREIGN AID
Foreign aid is one of the top priorities in the UAE's external relations approach.

it is dictated by an Islamic belief that helping those in need is a primary duty; and second, that part of the countrys wealth from oil and gas should be devoted to assisting other countries and individuals that are less fortunate. Overall, during the last three-and-a-half decades, the UAE has contributed more than Dh255 billion (US$70 bn) in loans, grants and assistance for development projects in nearly 100 countries around the world.

FOREIGN AID
Foreign aid is one of the top priorities in the UAE's external relations approach.

The UAE has also set up various foundations to undertake this major humanitarian role, including the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, the Khalifa Charity Foundation, the Red Crescent Society, the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Foundation, Noor Dubai Initiative which was launched recently with the objective of treating one million people suffering from eye diseases in Africa and Asia.

TOLERANCE AND CO-EXISTENCE

The UAE believes that peoples and nations need to keep connecting, as a key requisite to ensure the stability and prosperity of the region; a principle that constitutes an important angle in its foreign relations policy on the external and internal levels, for the near and short terms.

THE RIGHT OF SAFE LIVING

The UAE believes that safe living without being threatened is a sacred right for humans, whether groups or individuals, people and countries. This belief has been adopted by working towards spreading friendship, respecting others' right to safe living. This gives people an opportunity to build a good quality of life, not threatened by any party or country on the same planet. The UAE started this drive in the region first, reaching to other parts of the world.

THE UAE AND GCC

The UAE is one of the founding countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Through the efforts of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE plays a major role in the council towards enhancing common cooperation, and increasing the council's effectiveness by realizing the integrated political, economic, security and social goals through practical real steps.

THE THREE UAE ISLANDS

Occupied by Iran

UAE calls for peaceful resolution

SUPPORT OF ARAB ISSUES

Iraq
The Palestinian issue Sudan

NUCLEAR POWER FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES

The UAE believes that the most environmentally friendly and most sustainable solution to its energy requirements is electricity generated by nuclear plants.

FIRM STAND AGAINST EXTREMISM AND

TERRORISM

A distinctive trait of UAE policy lies in its harmony with its essence in terms of identity, thoughts and beliefs that have helped the country in creating a balanced stance with regards to evolving global concerns.

WOMEN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN

The country has given special attention to women and their issues, especially in the developing countries by encouraging the international community on March 4th, 2008 to continue with global efforts to extend political and financial support to help millions of women in the developing countries.

REFERENCES
www.mofa.gov.ae www.en.wikipedia.org www.khaleejtimes.com www.foreignpolicy.com