Abu Dhabi, UAE – Analysts told “Sawt Al Emarat” that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. In addition, the visit seeks to balance regional influence amidst current geopolitical shifts. Major General Mohamed Abdel Wahed, an expert in national security and international relations, confirmed that the visit focuses on strategic pillars, including bolstering economic, trade, and investment ties. The UAE is one of the largest investors in Egypt, and both sides are striving to attract additional investments and financial support to address economic pressures.
Abdel-Wahed explained that Sisi’s visit also aims to strengthen regional and international consultations on shared issues, particularly those related to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. He also noted the importance of coordination following the Somali president’s visit to Cairo and discussions regarding the tensions arising from Somalia’s recent decisions concerning security agreements with the UAE. The Egyptian expert pointed out that the relationship between President Sisi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed is based on a strong strategic and personal foundation. In this context, this foundation allows for the amicable management of any potential disagreements on sensitive issues such as borders, water security, and Red Sea matters, conducted “behind closed doors.”
Abdel Wahed pointed out that the region is witnessing a broad geopolitical reshaping, with the UAE playing a pivotal role, having built an advanced network of regional influence through ports and proxies. This makes its coordination with Egypt essential to maintaining the stability of the balance of power in the region. The expert emphasized that Egypt views Emirati expansion cautiously, given its internal challenges, including border security, water security, and economic pressures. He also explained that Sisi’s visit aims to maintain a delicate balance between political considerations and the needs of the national economy, while keeping the UAE a key strategic partner. The visit highlights the complexity of Egyptian-Emirati relations, where strategic partnership and economic support intertwine with competition for regional influence. This makes bilateral coordination essential to avoid any slide into potential conflicts.
