Exclusive to Voice of Emirates – Researcher and political analyst Tariq Abu Zeinab provided an in-depth analytical perspective, exclusively for Voice of Emirates, on the recent security developments in the United Arab Emirates.
He emphasized that the security services’ success in dismantling two networks linked
to foreign subversive activities is not merely a fleeting police achievement,
but rather a “preemptive strike against the heart of the strategy of silent infiltration.”
The UAE is facing “hybrid threats”
Abu Zeinab emphasized that the recent dismantling of Iranian-linked cells
in the UAE reflects a fundamental shift in the nature of the regional conflict.
The confrontation is no longer confined to geographical borders but has moved into what is known
as “non-traditional security,” where Tehran, through its proxies, seeks to infiltrate Gulf societies from within.
We are not talking here about direct confrontation, but rather attempts to undermine social, economic,
and intellectual structures through seemingly ordinary fronts.
However, these fronts are, in reality, tools for implementing expansionist agendas.
The three paths of penetration
According to Abu Zeinab analysis, this subversive project is not haphazard,
but rather relies on a long-term strategy implemented through three parallel tracks:
First: The cultural and religious track, which employs systematic sectarian discourse
and disseminates ideological frameworks associated with the “Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist” (Wilayat al-Faqih).
This aims to cultivate external, transnational loyalties that contribute to weakening the fabric of national identity.
Second: The economic track, which relies on establishing front companies
and fictitious investments used as a security cover for carrying out illicit operations.
This also allows for the infiltration of the economic structure and threatens the state’s financial stability.
Third: The “sleeper security” track, which involves building
and nurturing clandestine local networks that remain dormant.
These networks are ready for immediate activation and to receive orders
to carry out acts of sabotage when needed or during moments of political crisis.
The scenario that the UAE thwarted
In his interview with “Voice of Emirates,” Abu Zeinab pointed out that this model is not theoretical,
but rather a “painful reality” seen in other Arab countries.
Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen are the ultimate result of
allowing the seeds of “soft infiltration” to grow until they consume state institutions.
He explained that the UAE, with its early security awareness,
realized that allowing these cells to take root would inevitably lead
to scenarios similar to what happened in Iraq and Lebanon.
He added that in such cases, militias could become more powerful than the state.
Security operations in March and April
The political analyst highlighted the efficiency of the UAE’s “vigilant eye,”
pointing to two significant operations that shifted the balance of power:
1- Dismantling the “Organization of 27”: This was a clandestine organization
whose members were involved in spreading extremist ideology and targeting national unity.
Investigations revealed that they recruited influential media figures, religious leaders,
and business owners to attract young people and direct their loyalty to foreign entities.
2- Targeting front companies: Foiling a scheme that used shell companies to infiltrate the national economy.
These companies also served as a “financial lifeline” to fund illicit activities beyond official oversight.
Preventive security is the first line of defense
Abu Zeinab concluded his statement by emphasizing that the threat is no longer individual,
but has become a “transnational system.”
He praised the UAE intelligence services’ ability to discern what is happening behind the scenes,
stressing that the current confrontation requires “intellectual vigilance” that matches security vigilance.
The investigations’ findings regarding the collection of funds through unofficial channels
and the recruitment of public figures prove that the battle is one of “awareness and identities.”
He affirmed that societal resilience is the only guarantee for continued stability in a turbulent region.
Hence, the UAE stands out as a model in preventative security management.
This is a model that does not wait for disaster to occur, but rather dismantles its seeds before they sprout.
