The UAE and NATO are actively seeking ways to strengthen their partnership and enhance collaboration across various domains, including defense, training, and operational integration. This pivotal dialogue aims to ensure robust supply chains and foster ongoing discussions that promise to advance mutual interests. Through such initiatives, both parties are looking to fortify their strategic relationship.
On June 12, 2026, Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State in the UAE, welcomed Javier Colomina, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Southern Neighboring Countries. Colomina’s visit to the UAE follows a productive phone call in March between His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. This visit coincided with a series of discussions held between senior officials in the UAE and NATO regarding ways to enhance the partnership.
During their meeting in Abu Dhabi, Nusseibeh and Colomina discussed the rapid geopolitical developments in Europe and the Middle East. They emphasized their mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and contributing to the resilience and sustainability of defense supply chains with trusted partners. They also addressed the implementation of operational integration and explored new avenues for cooperation between the two sides.
Nusseibeh highlighted the UAE’s rich record of cooperation with NATO. This collaboration is evident through ongoing training and the UAE’s participation in several operations led by NATO in various regions. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to constructive international partnerships, which serve as a foundation for enhancing security and stability at both regional and international levels.
Both sides agreed to maintain constructive dialogue regarding the prospects for future partnership between the UAE and NATO, reflecting a mutual desire to enhance practical cooperation in areas of shared interest. The meeting was attended by several senior officials and technical experts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, as well as representatives from relevant entities in both the public and private sectors.