UAE-Egypt ties allow them to project power further

Abstract

Subject Egypt-UAE ties. Significance The conflict in Libya has raised questions about the relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, both of which support eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar. Their bilateral cooperation was underlined on January 15 by the presence of the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed, at the inauguration of a major new Egyptian military base on the Red Sea. The Egypt-UAE strategic relationship is characterised by a lack of transparency, but its central element seems to be a shared determination to counter the Muslim Brotherhood, both within Egypt and across the region, particularly in Libya. Impacts The UAE is sensitive to Western criticism, which could be a key consideration in its continued backing for Haftar. Open naming of the UAE for its role in Libya could shift its policy there, but is unlikely to come from Europe, Russia or the United States. Egypt would ignore criticism but is loath to engage in active military intervention in Libya, fearing a defeat.