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UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, accompanied by a high-level entourage, on Wednesday paid an official visit to Turkiye on the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The visit included the first meeting of the Turkiye-UAE High-Level Strategic Council, which was established in 2023. The aim was to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, as officials from both sides stated.

The evolution of Turkish-Emirati relations in recent years is noteworthy and it is essential to understand the underlying factors that have brought the two countries closer together. I describe the evolving relationship using three Cs: convergence, consensus and cooperation. Turkiye and the UAE have begun to converge on regional issues, build consensus and move toward solid cooperation. In this process, two defining features are compartmentalization and institutionalization.

The two countries are working to go beyond a personalized relationship, transitioning toward a more institutionalized one. The signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement and the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Council are good examples of this. In March 2023, the UAE ratified the comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Turkiye, aiming to more than double bilateral trade volumes to between $40 billion and $45 billion within the next five years. This was followed by the creation of the High-Level Strategic Council as a platform for deepening institutional collaboration.

Defense cooperation is a critical pillar of their relationship. The UAE has been pursuing greater strategic autonomy by diversifying its alliances beyond traditional partners like the US. Abu Dhabi’s growing defense ties with Turkiye clearly reflect this broader strategic recalibration. The UAE has supported Turkiye’s expanding defense industry by signing 20 agreements and placing significant orders for Turkish-made drones. A broader context for this shift can be found in the transition of US policies in the Middle East, which has been impacting Turkish-Emirati relations.

Turkiye and the UAE have begun to converge on regional issues, build consensus and move toward solid cooperation

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

Their growing partnership, rooted in pragmatism, also sets the stage for broader regional economic cooperation. For example, the UAE, alongside Qatar, is backing the Turkish-Iraqi Development Road project, which seeks to connect the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean through a network of roads, railways and energy links. Both Ankara and Abu Dhabi see this project as a strategic opportunity to strengthen their regional influence and enhance economic connectivity.

The two countries are also exploring a more holistic partnership that goes beyond traditional trade and defense cooperation, encompassing areas like artificial intelligence, climate change and cultural exchange — areas the UAE is particularly focused on developing.

Ankara and Abu Dhabi have demonstrated an ability to compartmentalize their differences and focus on areas of alignment. This pragmatic approach has allowed their relationship to evolve from a zero-sum dynamic to one of cooperation. A good example is their engagement in the Horn of Africa, where both have sought to manage their interests through dialogue. They have committed to holding regular consultations on Africa, with the second round of talks held earlier this year. This decision, made during Erdogan’s visit to the UAE in 2022, signals a shared commitment to managing potential flashpoints in regions where they have previously competed for influence.

Regarding the timing of Sheikh Mohammed’s visit, there are three significant aspects. It was the first visit by a UAE president to Turkiye since the collapse of the Assad regime. Moreover, it came at a highly critical moment, as Israel launched airstrikes on Syria — a country where Turkiye and the UAE both have high stakes. In Syria, they are aligning their efforts to support the new government. Turkiye and the UAE share a vision for a stable Syria, but they approach the situation from different angles, with each country focusing on different areas of influence and strategic objectives.

The UAE approaches Syria more from an economic angle. On Sunday, Syria finalized a 30-year concession for Abu Dhabi’s DP World to develop and operate its Mediterranean port of Tartus in a bid to speed up its postwar reconstruction. The $800 million agreement, which was signed in the presence of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, reflects the UAE’s broader strategy of reengaging with Syria — marking a shift from cautious diplomacy to long-term economic engagement. Al-Sharaa last week made his second official visit to the UAE, which pledged support for Syria’s postwar reconstruction.

Ankara and Abu Dhabi have demonstrated an ability to compartmentalize their differences and focus on areas of alignment

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

Meanwhile, Turkiye approaches the file more from a security/political angle: it seeks to finalize a security agreement with the new government and provide assistance to the Syrian military to counter security threats.

Second, Sheikh Mohammed’s visit underscored the two countries’ growing cooperation in the South Caucasus. The UAE this month hosted talks between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan — a move that Turkiye has openly supported. Ankara is pushing Baku to sign a peace agreement with Yerevan, as the path to Turkiye’s normalization with Armenia goes through a peace agreement between them. The UAE’s efforts reflect its desire to reposition itself as a regional bridge-builder, aligning in some areas with Turkiye’s interests.

Erdogan emphasized that Ankara was closely monitoring the peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia that were launched in Abu Dhabi and will continue to support endeavors to establish lasting calm in the South Caucasus.

Lastly, the visit reflected both countries’ intention to deepen their strategic dialogue, which has been cemented by frequent reciprocal visits by their leaders in recent years. Both leaderships demonstrate a pragmatic approach, prioritizing mutual interests over differences that have provided little benefit for either side in the past.

The developing Turkish-Emirati relations demonstrate the growing sense of camaraderie in addressing regional challenges and maximizing their interests.

• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz