During the turbulent months of Muslim Brotherhood rule in Egypt, which ended early July, relations between the UAE and the largest Arab country soured. The Brotherhood movement thought that by dominating Egypt, it could secure similar dominance and spread its influence in other Arab states using a complicated network of followers and so-called charities that pay allegiance to the movement’s Supreme Guide.
The UAE and other Gulf states confronted those plans. They conveyed their message repeatedly to former Egypt president Mohammad Mursi’s government that they will not accept interference in their internal affairs and will not tolerate such transgression by cross-border movements. The Brotherhood, known for its arrogance, ignored those friendly messages and displayed hostility towards most Gulf governments. On July 3, the Mursi government was dissolved by the army following three days of popular anti-Brotherhood protests.
Since then, relations between Egypt and the UAE have been repaired. Ties between the two countries have always been strong. The hundreds of thousands of Egyptians living in this country always considered the UAE as their home country and Emiratis, inspired by the love Shaikh Zayed had for Egypt, always considered that country a strategic partner.
In this context, the visit to Egypt by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the highest ranking Gulf official to visit Egypt since the formation of the new government, comes as proof that ties are back to their traditional strength. It is also a clear message to the Egyptian people that the UAE, along with other Gulf states, will firmly stand by them at this critical juncture in their country’s history.
The West has been threatening Egypt with aid cuts since the overthrow of Mursi’s government. Shaikh Mohammad’s visit and the strong statement by Saudi Arabia on the aid issue last week show that Egypt is on its way to recovery and prosperity.
