Turkey–United Arab Emirates relations

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Turkey– United Arab Emirates relations
Map indicating locations of Turkey and United Arab Emirates

Turkey
United Arab Emirates

Turkey and the United Arab Emirates share extensive cultural, military, and economic ties, but their relations substantially deteriorated during the Arab Spring. However, relations between the two countries have significantly improved in recent years.[1][2]

Economic relations

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Turkey is one of the UAE's largest trading partners, with US$9 billion in annual bilateral trade volume - triggering a rise of 800 percent in the last seven years;[3] the year of 2008 saw foreign trade figures reveal Turkey as one of the UAE's top 10 biggest suppliers while over the past five years (2004-2008), UAE's exports to Turkey have increased six-fold. In an attempt to enhance tourism bonds, the UAE launched new Etihad Airways flights to Istanbul in 2009, serving the city four times a week.[4]

Emirati businessmen have been encouraged by multiple real estate agencies to invest in Turkey, as part of Turkey's ongoing privatization efforts.[5] In 2010, both sides pledged on improving commercial relations through common projects and convene officials in the future to determine possible areas of cooperation.[6]

There is considerable Turkish presence in the UAE including Turkish construction companies which have put their signature on many developments in the region. In addition, there is a small community of Turks in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Turkish embassy, the number of Turkish companies established in the UAE is over 400, with 75 of those operating in and around Abu Dhabi.

On 24 November 2021, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates signed accords on energy and technology investments after talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Ankara.[7]

Diplomatic relations

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Arab Spring

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Egyptian Crisis

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Main article: Egyptian Crisis (2011–2014)

The diplomatic relations between the two countries have soured over differing attitudes to the Egyptian crisis and its aftermath, with Turkey backing the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt and the UAE supporting military rule under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.[8]

Syrian Civil War

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Main article: Syrian Civil War

In August 2017, the UAE accused Turkey of "colonial and competitive behavior" by "trying to reduce the sovereignty of the Syrian state" through its military presence in Syria.[9]

The UAE has provided support for the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, which fought against Turkish troops in northern Syria.[10][11] Turkey has accused the UAE of also supporting the Kurdistan Workers' Party in its conflict with the Turkish government.[12]

In March 2018, Gargash stated that relations between the countries "aren’t in their best state" and called on Turkey to "respect Arab sovereignty and deal with its neighbors with wisdom and rationality".[13]

In May 2018, Gargash called for Arab countries to unite against rising Turkish and Iranian influence in the Middle East.[14]

After the fall of the Assad regime, the United Arab Emirates supported the new administration in Damascus along with Turkey.[15]

Yemeni Civil War

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Main article: Yemeni Civil War (2015-present)

In May 2018, Turkey expressed concern towards the deployment of Emirati troops in Socotra without the Yemeni government being informed beforehand, claiming it presents "a new threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Yemen".[16]

2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt

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Main article: 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt

Turkish media in 2017 accused UAE of supporting the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt, with a Turkish columnist claiming that UAE financially supported the coup plotters.[17] Turkish media also alleged that a series of leaked emails in June 2017 by Emirati ambassador to United States Yousef Al Otaiba correspondence with Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington, D.C. based think tank, led credence to the alleged support.[18]

Qatar diplomatic crisis and deterioration of ties (2017-2021)

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Main article: Qatar diplomatic crisis

The UAE has been critical of Turkey's backing of Qatar during the 2017–18 Qatar diplomatic crisis.[19]

In May 2017, the UAE's Ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba described Turkey under Erdoğan as a "long-term threat" to both the UAE and the United States.[20]

In December 2017, the UAE's foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, shared a tweet that claimed an Ottoman general had robbed Medina during Ottoman rule. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan responded by describing him as an "impertinent man" who was "spoiled by oil". Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash responded, "The sectarian and partisan view is not an acceptable alternative, and the Arab world will not be led by Tehran or Ankara."[21]

Armenia-Azerbaijan

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Main article: Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

In 2019, the United Arab Emirates' leadership announced it would begin the formal process to recognize the Armenian genocide.[22] Emirate of Abu Dhabi had become the first emirate to recognize the genocide in April 2019.[23] Although the United Arab Emirates continues to have good relations with Azerbaijan, both are oil producing countries that have ties to Israel.[24][25]

During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Armenian President Armen Sargsyan was invited to deliver a speech on the Emirati–Saudi Arabian channel Al Arabiya, urging the international community to stop Turkey from intervening in the conflict.[26] However, the Emirati government decided to remain neutral throughout the conflict and not harm its cordial ties with Azerbaijan. Both Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates are energy-producing countries with ties to Israel in opposing Iranian influence. Armenia is closer to Iran, as both countries are critical of Azerbaijan and Turkey, and Iran has historically sided with Armenia on border issues.[27][28]

Following the end of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Emirati-Turkish reconciliation, the UAE leveraged its friendly ties with Turkey and diminishing Iranian influence to strengthen relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.[29] Iran was seen as the biggest loser in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, while Russia continued to work with Azerbaijan and Turkey.[30][31][32] Russia also has friendly ties with the Emirates.[33]

2020 Abraham Accords

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Main articles: Abraham Accords and Israel–United Arab Emirates accord

Turkey condemned the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and UAE in 2020.[34] The Turkish government threatened to suspend diplomatic relations and recall its ambassador from Abu Dhabi over the establishment of Israel-UAE diplomatic relations.[35]

Cooperation since 2021

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See also: Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict and Iran–Turkey proxy conflict

Turkey and the UAE reconciliation efforts started to make progress in 2021 with the visit of UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed to Turkey.[36][37] Erdoğan visited Abu Dhabi in 2022 to meet UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and signing currency swap and trade agreements between the two countries as well as talks of cooperation in the defense industry.[38] Erdoğan's visit was welcomed in a big ceremony to show a shift in the relations in a positive direction.[39] Turkey agreed to sell Bayraktar drones to the UAE as part of restoring relations and increasing cooperation between the nations. Turkish drones proved to be superior in quality to their Chinese counterparts and easier to acquire than American drones. Additionally, the common mistrust of the Biden administration between both countries enabled deeper cooperation over America's decision to not deliver F-35s to Turkey and the UAE, while approving F-35s to Israel and other Western countries.[40][41]

During the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council members, UAE assisted Turkey the most in earthquake relief aid efforts, allocating $114.6 million for earthquake relief efforts in Syria and Turkey.[42][43][44] The significant role of the Emirates during the earthquakes has played a role on improvement of relations between the two nations.[45][46]

Turkey and the UAE were the targets of the US sanctions due to their ties with Russia. Both Turkey and the UAE remains key destinations for many Russians since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War and both countries have good relations with Russia.[47]

The UAE, Turkey, Iraq, and Qatar have agreed to invest on the Iraq Development Road project. The project is expected to significantly boost Iraq's economy while increasing cooperation between the Gulf nations and Turkey; it will also challenge the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, highlighting the UAE's ambitions to diversify its economic and geopolitical interests.[48]

In July 2025, MbZ visited Ankara to meet with Erdoğan and further strengthen ties between the two countries. The two leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation in cultural, security, and social fields, and agreed strengthening the bonds between the Emirati and Turkish peoples.[49][50][51]

The UAE and Egypt are also interested in Turkey's fifth-generation fighter TAI TF Kaan project, amid growing military ties between the countries.[52] Both Egypt and the UAE are BRICS member states, Turkey has also shown interest to join BRICS.

Syria (2024-present)

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Main article: Fall of the Assad regime

Ties between the two countries continued to grow after the fall of the Assad regime. The Emirates, along with Turkey, supported the new government in Syria. Although the UAE had been perceived as softening its stance on the Assad regime in recent years, the Emirates decided to support the new government in Syria along with other regional powers.[53] The United Arab Emirates agreed to invest in Syria, along with other Gulf countries.[54] The new Syrian authorities agreed to detain leftist and Islamist groups that pose threat to Syria's national security and ties with other Arab nations or Turkey.[55][56] The UAE and Azerbaijan also mediated talks between Israel and Syria in an effort to prevent further escalation.[57][58][59][60]

Resident diplomatic missions

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  • Turkey has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Turkey sees great progress in relations with UAE - World Bulletin". World Bulletin / News from Turkey and Islamic World.[dead link]
  2. ^ "Turkey, UAE boost strained ties with 13 deals during Erdoğan's visit". Daily Sabah. 14 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Turkey, UAE to improve economic relations - Turkey Financial News". www.turkeyfinancial.com.
  4. ^ "The official website of Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates - Etihad Airways". Etihad Global.
  5. ^ "Finance Minister invites UAE businessmen to Turkey - Turkey Financial News". www.turkeyfinancial.com.
  6. ^ "Turkey, UAE agree to cooperate on projects - Today's Zaman". Archived from the original on 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2010-07-15.
  7. ^ "Turkey, UAE sign financial cooperation deals as ties warm". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
  8. ^ "ANALYSIS: Gulen becomes enemy of Gulf states, but Turkey-UAE rift endures".
  9. ^ "UAE criticizes 'colonial' role of Iran, Turkey in Syria". Reuters. 29 August 2017.
  10. ^ "UAE, Kurds Standing against US, Turkey in Syria". Farsnews. 22 February 2017.
  11. ^ "The U.S. bombing of Syria implicates many of Trump's business interests". Vox. 16 April 2018.
  12. ^ "What does Afrin mean for international security?". Australian Strategic Policy Institute. 2 February 2018.
  13. ^ "Senior UAE official says Turkey-Arab relations 'not in best state'". Reuters. 10 March 2018. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018.
  14. ^ "Gargash calls for Arab unity to counter Iran and Turkey". 19 May 2018.
  15. ^ Natalie Triche; Amr Hamzawy. "The Gulf Shifts Policies in Response to the "New" Syria". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  16. ^ "Turkey concerned by Yemen's territorial integrity after UAE's Socotra move". Daily Sabah. 11 May 2018.
  17. ^ "UAE allegedly funneled $3B to topple Erdoğan, Turkish government". Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  18. ^ "UAE ambassador's hacked emails 'show' alleged role in Turkey coup". 3 June 2017.
  19. ^ "GCC crisis: Unresolved tensions plague Turkey-UAE relations". 19 January 2018.
  20. ^ "UAE doesn't want Turkey to even shape a dinner menu, Otaiba says". Daily Sabah. 4 August 2017.
  21. ^ "In first remarks since retweet feud, UAE diplomat says Arabs won't be led by Turkey". Reuters. 27 December 2017.
  22. ^ "UAE also will recognize of the Armenian genocide in April - ANHA | HAWARNEWS | English". hawarnews.com.
  23. ^ "UNITED ARAB EMIRATES : Abu Dhabi to recognise Armenian genocide - Issue 824 dated 20/02/2019". Intelligence Online. February 20, 2019.
  24. ^ Rahim Rahimov. "On Azerbaijan visit, UAE's MBZ quietly expands influence into South Caucasus". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  25. ^ "Azerbaijan, UAE presidents sign major economic pact in Abu Dhabi". Anadolu Agency. 9 July 2025.
  26. ^ Fenton-Harvey, Jonathan (6 October 2020). "How the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict could spiral into a proxy war". alaraby.
  27. ^ Iranian Foreign Minister: Iran-Armenia border must remain unchanged
  28. ^ "Armenia and Iran hold joint military drills amid strains over Azerbaijan, nuclear program". Reuters. 10 April 2025.
  29. ^ Sinem Cengiz. "The growing Turkey-UAE partnership in the South Caucasus". Amwaj. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  30. ^ "Iran Battles Turkish Influence in South Caucasus". CEPA. 2022-11-01. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  31. ^ "Russia and the Karabakh War. Is Moscow still the Game Leader?". SciencesPo. 2022-11-01. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  32. ^ "Iran rebukes Russia over its policy shift on Zangezur corridor". Iran International.
  33. ^ Natasha Turak. "Russia and UAE double down on trade, testing U.S. limits". CNBC. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  34. ^ "Turkey slams UAE for 'hypocritical behaviour' over Israel deal".
  35. ^ "Turkey threatens to suspend UAE ties over deal with Israel". The Guardian. 14 August 2020.
  36. ^ "Erdogan says Turkish contacts with UAE have made progress". Reuters. 18 August 2021.
  37. ^ "Turkey, UAE sign series of cooperation agreements". Anadolu Agency. 24 November 2021.
  38. ^ "UAE-Turkey reconciliation continues with trade agreement - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East". 20 May 2022.
  39. ^ "Erdogan's celebrity welcome in the UAE affirms a sea-change in relations, lifeline for Turkey's economy". CNBC. 27 February 2022.
  40. ^ "Exclusive: Turkey sells battle-tested drones to UAE as regional rivals mend ties". Reuters. 21 September 2022.
  41. ^ "How Saudi Arabia and UAE learned to stop worrying and love Turkey's Bayraktar drones". Business Insider. 7 August 2023.
  42. ^ "UAE to allocate $100 mln for earthquake relief efforts in Syria, Turkey - WAM". Reuters. 7 February 2023.
  43. ^ "UAE pledges $114.6 million, leads GCC nations in Turkey earthquake relief aid efforts". Khaleej Times. 15 February 2023.
  44. ^ "UAE opens largest field hospital in earthquake-hit Turkey". Al Arabiya. 14 February 2023.
  45. ^ "Turkey will never forget the friendship extended by UAE: Erdogan". Gulf News. 14 February 2023.
  46. ^ "Turkey, UAE ink free trade deal in latest thaw". Al-Monitor. 14 February 2023.
  47. ^ "US Sanctions China, Turkey, UAE Firms for Supporting Russia". Bloomberg. 12 December 2023.
  48. ^ "Türkiye hosts summit with Iraq, Qatar, UAE on infrastructure project". Sabah. 29 August 2024.
  49. ^ "Erdoğan, UAE leader hold strategic talks in Ankara". Hürriyet. 16 July 2025.
  50. ^ "President Sheikh Mohamed in call for peace with Turkey's Erdogan". The National. 16 July 2025.
  51. ^ Ezgi Akin; Rosaleen Carroll. "UAE leader visits Turkey, emphasizing shift from rivalry to regional alignment". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  52. ^ Paul Iddon. "TF Kaan: Why UAE Might Be Interested In Turkey's Stealth Jet Project". Forbes. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  53. ^ Natalie Triche; Amr Hamzawy. "The Gulf Shifts Policies in Response to the "New" Syria". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  54. ^ "Syria Signs $14 billion in Investment Deals, Including Airport and Subway Projects". Asharq Al-Awsat. 12 July 2025.
  55. ^ Najih Dawoud. "Syrian authorities arrest Egyptian founder of anti-Sisi militant group". Mada Masr. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
  56. ^ "Syria expels leader of leftist Palestinian faction". The New Arab. 23 June 2025.
  57. ^ Timour Azhari; Suleiman Al-Khalidi. "Exclusive: UAE mediating secret talks between Israel and Syria, sources say". Reuters. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  58. ^ "Azerbaijan engaged in quiet diplomacy between Turkey and Israel to defuse Syria tensions". Times of Israel. 3 June 2025.
  59. ^ "Syrian and Israeli officials expected to meet in Azerbaijan as Sharaa visits". Times of Israel. 12 July 2025.
  60. ^ "Erdoğan, UAE leader hold strategic talks in Ankara". Hürriyet. 16 July 2025.