Lead:

The United Arab Emirates moved on multiple diplomatic and domestic fronts Wednesday, with senior leaders conveying formal condolences to Qatar following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, while the country simultaneously celebrated the birthday of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and reaffirmed a firm position on maritime security at an EU-Gulf forum in Brussels. The convergence of these events underscored both the depth of inter-Gulf relations and the UAE's continued projection of active foreign policy engagement.

Details:

On the condolence front, Al Khaleej and Newsd Arabia report that President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed his personal condolences to Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani over the death of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Amir of Qatar. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, accompanied by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, also traveled to offer condolences in person. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, paid her respects at the Qatari Consulate in Dubai. The broad cross-emirate participation in the mourning gesture signals the continued normalisation and warmth in UAE-Qatari relations following years of diplomatic estrangement.

On the security front, Al Khaleej reports that Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh addressed a high-level EU-Gulf Cooperation Council forum in Brussels, where she condemned what she described as Iranian attacks on UAE and regional energy infrastructure and declared that the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of extortion constitutes unacceptable piracy. The UAE, she stated, regards the protection of maritime corridors and freedom of trade as a foundational pillar for the development of vulnerable communities globally. The statement marks a notably firm public posture by Abu Dhabi on the Iran file before a European audience.

Domestically, Al Khaleej reports that the UAE celebrated the birthday of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, with senior officials including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum offering tributes. Presidential Diplomatic Adviser Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash described Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as an exceptional leader who made ambition a methodology and achievement a culture.

Watch For:

Whether Iran responds diplomatically to the UAE's pointed remarks at the Brussels forum, which could shape near-term Gulf security dynamics.

The extent to which condolence exchanges over Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's passing translate into further formalised diplomatic momentum between Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Developments around Dubai's reported issuance of over one million new residency permits and 66,000 golden visas in the first half of 2026, which may prompt policy commentary from regional competitors.