In a pointed statement reflecting the current geopolitical climate, Khalaf Al Habtoor, the Emirati businessman and Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, emphasised the importance of internal decision-making within the Gulf region. He cautioned against external influences attempting to undermine the economies and sovereignty of Gulf nations.
Calls for Sovereignty in Decision-Making
Al Habtoor shared his thoughts via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, asserting, “We do not want anyone outside our region to dictate what our interests are. Our decisions should arise from us and for us, prioritising our nations and peoples.” His comments serve as a reminder of the region’s need for autonomy in international relations.
The Evolving Nature of Warfare
He further elaborated on the nature of modern conflicts, stating, “Today, wars no longer require the occupation of land to weaken nations. It is sufficient for airports and ports to be disrupted, affecting trade and aviation, targeting energy facilities, and decreasing investments and market confidence, for the economy to begin to suffer. The impact on people’s lives, their businesses, and the future of their children is alarmingly real.”
Rising Threats to Regional Stability
According to Al Habtoor, recent events in the region highlight that the risks have transitioned from distant possibilities to pressing realities. “The ambitions aimed at our region are clear, and we must not neglect or underestimate their consequences,” he stressed, underscoring the urgency of addressing these threats.
Unity as a Strategic Imperative
Continuing his discourse, Al Habtoor asserted the need for collective strength, stating, “We must safeguard what we have built and prepare for all eventualities. We should not allow any external power to draw our region into conflicts that do not serve our interests or decide our future on our behalf.” He expressed concern over potential efforts to destabilise economies and undermine sources of strength and prosperity in the Gulf.
Current Context of Regional Conflict
These statements come amid escalating violence between Saudi Arabia-backed government forces and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ongoing conflict has seen the Houthis targeting airports in Saudi Arabia and other critical infrastructure. Recently, a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in 13 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, causing temporary operations suspension at the airport. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority reported that the attack led to the death of a Pakistani resident and injuries to 11 others, alongside significant material damage.