Other BriefingsQatar, UAE Restore Diplomatic Relations
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have decided to restore diplomatic relations, and embassies and consulates of the two states recommenced working on Monday (June 19), according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.
“On the basis of an agreement and aspiration of both states towards strengthening bilateral relations, Qatar and the UAE announce the restoration of diplomatic relations with the resumption of work of Qatar’s embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai, as well as the UAE embassy in Doha on Monday, June 19, 2023.”
“The two sides underlined that this step comes as an embodiment of the will of the leaderships of the two countries, and in consolidation of the march of joint Arab action, to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly people,” the statement pointed out.
Qatar had been singled out by several Arab states for its political journalism, and especially the Al Jazeera network, which occasionally broadcast items that were critical of its neighbours and especially Saudi Arabia.
That initial rift began in 2017 and also included at the time a blockade to Qatar, taken up by UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt. That was lifted in 2021, allowing the FIFA World Cup to take place, although travel to Qatar from Saudi Arabia and the UAE during this time was difficult.
A relaxation of Saudi Arabian policies has assisted with the new detente, with Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, largely responsible for a renewed Saudi Vision 2030 aiming to project somewhat more liberal society.
The move is set to boost regional tourism with visitors in time able to cross the UAE-Qatar border.
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