The diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, Dr. Anwar Gargash, has asserted that the country’s energy exports will not be held hostage to the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasised ongoing efforts to secure alternative routes for these vital exports. In light of recent Iranian attacks, Gargash noted that the UAE continues to experience growth and expansion across various sectors, although such provocations have forced Gulf states to reassess their strategic calculations.
Military Success Amidst Adversity
During a speech at the third edition of the Helia Forum, which commenced yesterday in Abu Dhabi under the theme “The Gulf at a Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences, and Course Correction,” Gargash highlighted that the UAE’s response to Iranian assaults represents a “military success story.” He underscored the nation’s resilience in facing unprecedented challenges while fostering a discussion on the regional stability essential for the future of its peoples.
Call for Stability and Clear Vision
Gargash articulated the need for the region to escape a prolonged state of neither-war-nor-peace, stating that “its stability and the future of its people require clarity of vision and path.” He warned that the forthcoming geopolitical shifts cannot thrive on fragile arrangements that disregard international law. Instead, Gargash advocated for the goal of achieving a sustainable stability governed by clear and collective rules. This necessitates a serious de-escalation and a long-term diplomatic approach to bolster regional stability, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, with well-defined terms, verification methods, and consequences for non-compliance.
Key Themes of the Helia Forum
This year’s forum, organised by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, addresses the Gulf’s pivotal role amidst rapid transformations impacting global security and international order. The event gathers over 1,000 participants, including prominent officials, decision-makers, diplomats, experts, and academics from 35 countries. Their discussions centre around three main pillars: geopolitical issues, geoeconomic concerns, and geotechnological developments.
Reassessing Global Dynamics
Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, remarked that the crossroads phenomenon underscores the need for international responses to evolve from merely addressing crisis repercussions to recognising the Gulf’s significant weight in promoting international stability. The Helia Forum sheds light on the interconnections between Gulf security and the order of international economy and trade, while fostering an environment for discussions on translating these connections into more sustainable political, legal, and economic cooperation.
The Gulf’s Role in an Interconnected World
In a further statement, Nikolai Miladinov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, noted a striking paradox in today’s world: it has never been more interconnected, yet also increasingly divided, accompanied by a decline in conflict resolution capacity. Against this backdrop, the Gulf emerges as a significant arena where the contours of the next international order are being shaped and tested. The challenge for the region extends beyond merely enduring fragmentation; it must also maintain its role as a source of communication and build trust through enhanced relations and institutions across divides.