UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged closer Gulf cooperation Oct. 19, warning that divisive media arguments could weaken regional ties.
He said his appeal was not a proposal for a union among Gulf countries. He called for stronger institutions and closer coordination while respecting each country’s distinct experience.
“I am not speaking here of a union between our countries,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote in Arabic, in translation. He pointed to family ties and economic interests as reasons for Gulf societies to work together, and criticized divisive arguments in the media and on social platforms.
In a separate development, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 18. They discussed bilateral cooperation and regional security and stability, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.
Sheikh Mohammed cited the UAE’s formation from seven emirates as an example of collective resolve. He presented that history as a reason for closer cooperation while preserving differences among Gulf countries.
