The Islamabad Telegraph Report
This past September marked two years since the signing of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Though the moment passed without Much fanfare in either capital the reality is that the accords have reshaped the dynamics of the Middle East. The historic agreement has set a precedent for publicly-acknowledged communication between Arab countries and Israel, and Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to open its airspace to Israeli civilian aircraft may be seen as one element of the new Middle East facilitated by the Accords.
For the first time, an atmosphere of Arab-Israeli rapprochement pervades the region. More specifically, the Abraham Accords have paved the way for comprehensive partnerships on a variety of issues related to security, business, the environment, innovation, tourism, and other key sectors. These locations are also more closely connected through direct flights from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Casablanca, and Marrakesh.
At the core of these new dynamics is increased economic cooperation between Israel and its regional neighbors. Participation in the Israeli-Emirati Agreement is expected to create four million new jobs and one trillion dollars in new economic activity in the coming decade, significantly accelerating economic development in a region still recovering from the effects of COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, the establishment of the 3-billion-dollar Abraham Fund by Israel, the UAE, and the United States will undoubtedly strengthen economic development through private-sector-led initiatives that promote economic prosperity in the Middle East.
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More generally, cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv has expanded to include the domains of medicine, technology, the environment, outer space, and the military, and these efforts will only increase in the next few years. Looking ahead, the Negev Forum—which includes the UAE, Israel,Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, and the United States—will be a model for new regional relations whose features are rooted in the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords have indeed reshaped the dynamics of the Middle East and have paved the way for comprehensive partnerships between Israel and its regional neighbors. The increased economic cooperation between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as other countries like Bahrain, Morocco, and Egypt, has led to significant opportunities for economic development in the region.
The establishment of the Abraham Fund, which is backed by a $3 billion investment from Israel, the UAE, and the United States, will undoubtedly promote economic prosperity through private-sector-led initiatives. This fund aims to support various sectors such as infrastructure, energy, water, and technology, creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are to sign the Abraham accords — a reference to the common traditions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity — at a White House ceremony. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Moreover, the cooperation between Israel and the UAE has expanded beyond just economic ties. Collaboration in areas such as medicine, technology, the environment, outer space, and the military has also increased, indicating a broader partnership between the two countries. This cooperation is expected to grow further in the coming years, leading to advancements and innovation in various fields.
Additionally, the Negev Forum, which includes the UAE, Israel, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, and the United States, is becoming a model for new regional relations in the Middle East. This forum serves as a platform for countries to come together and discuss common interests, promote peace, and enhance cooperation in various sectors. It showcases the potential for increased collaboration and partnership among countries in the region, building on the foundation laid by the Abraham Accords.
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Overall, the Abraham Accords have opened up new possibilities for engagement and cooperation between Israel and its regional neighbors, leading to increased economic development, innovation, and partnerships in various sectors. It marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Middle East, promoting peace and stability in the region
UAE hails Abraham Accord as Win-Win situation
Yes, the Abraham Accords have indeed led to increased people-to-people contact and cooperation across various areas, ranging from business deals to cultural exchanges, healthcare partnerships, and joint scientific initiatives. The normalization of relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel, as well as other countries in the region, has opened up new opportunities for engagement and collaboration, fostering greater understanding and mutual benefits.
Business and economic ties have been a significant focus of the Abraham Accords, with increased trade, investment, and tourism between Israel and the UAE and other countries involved. The Accords have paved the way for direct flights, opening up travel and tourism opportunities, and facilitating business partnerships between the two countries. This has led to new business deals and economic activities, generating job opportunities and economic growth in the region.
Cultural exchanges have also flourished, promoting people-to-people contact and fostering mutual understanding between different cultures. Cultural events, educational programs, and exchange programs between Israel and the UAE and other countries involved in the Accords have helped to bridge gaps and build relationships, contributing to greater tolerance and cooperation in the region.
Partnerships in healthcare and joint scientific initiatives have also been a focus of the Abraham Accords. Collaboration in areas such as medical research, technology, and innovation has led to advancements in healthcare and other fields. Joint scientific initiatives have brought researchers and scientists from different countries together, facilitating knowledge-sharing and promoting innovation.
Overall, the Abraham Accords have created new avenues for people-to-people contact, cooperation, and exchange in various areas, promoting regional security, prosperity, and peace. The normalization of relations between Israel and its regional neighbors has ushered in a new era of engagement and collaboration, fostering mutual benefits and enhancing relationships in the Middle East and beyond.
Abraham Accord, a catalyst for change
“The Abraham Accords were based on a simple premise: that diplomacy and communication would promote greater stability, prosperity, and hope. Today, we can say with great confidence that the premise was correct.
“We are building a brighter future together by expanding opportunities for our peoples, and people across the region.
“Over the past two years, our belief in peace has seen us achieve countless milestones. We have turned plans into concrete action, and developed a thriving relationship to help us accomplish our shared strategic objectives. We will continue this work as we deepen the Accords, and spread their inclusive vision of a regional community for progress.”
—Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (15 September 2022)
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s statement reflects the positive outcomes and achievements of the Abraham Accords in promoting stability, prosperity, and hope in the region. The Accords have indeed led to concrete actions and milestones, building a brighter future through expanded opportunities for people in the Middle East and beyond. The inclusive vision of a regional community for progress, as espoused by the Accords, has fostered closer relationships and cooperation among the signatory countries, contributing to their shared strategic objectives.
The Abraham Accords have demonstrated that diplomacy and communication can be powerful tools in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. By normalizing relations between Israel and its regional neighbors, the Accords have paved the way for increased engagement and cooperation in various areas, including business, culture, healthcare, technology, and innovation. These efforts have generated positive impacts, such as job creation, economic growth, and knowledge-sharing, contributing to greater stability and prosperity in the region.
The statement by Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlights the commitment to further deepen the Accords and continue the work of building a brighter future together. The progress made so far serves as a testament to the potential of diplomatic efforts in fostering positive change in the Middle East and beyond. As the Accords continue to evolve, they have the potential to serve as a model for promoting peace and cooperation in other parts of the world as well.
Abraham Accord boosts Economic acitivity in the Middle East
The economic cooperation aspect of the Abraham Accords has been a significant driver of positive change in the Middle East. The Accords explicitly outline a wide range of areas for bilateral agreements, including healthcare, science, technology, tourism, culture, energy, environment, education, agriculture, water, and more, with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Statements from UAE Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba highlight the UAE’s commitment to private-sector-led initiatives in investment and development that promote regional economic cooperation, trade, and prosperity. The goal is to strengthen regional trade, support strategic infrastructure projects, and enhance energy security through reliable access to electricity.
The volume of bilateral trade between the UAE and Israel has seen significant growth since the signing of the Accords. In 2021, the bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $1.154 billion, and projections indicate that this number will double to over $2 billion in the coming year. This represents a substantial increase compared to trade volumes between Israel and other countries in the region, such as Egypt and Jordan, which have also signed peace agreements with Israel in the past.
The rapid growth in bilateral trade between Israel and the UAE is a testament to the economic opportunities unlocked by the Accords. The increase in trade volumes indicates the growing cooperation and economic integration between the two countries, and it is expected to continue to grow in the future. This economic cooperation has the potential to create jobs, spur economic growth, and promote regional prosperity, contributing to the overall goals of peace and stability in the Middle East.
Free Trade Agreement
The signing of a free trade agreement and the “Water for Energy” Agreement between Israel, the UAE, and Jordan are examples of the deepening economic cooperation between the countries as a result of the Abraham Accords.
The free trade agreement, known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership, is the first of its kind between Israel and an Arab country. It stipulates that 96% of all goods traded between Israel and the UAE will be exempted from customs duties immediately or gradually. This is expected to further boost trade between the two countries and has the potential to reach $10 billion annually over five years. The agreement is also expected to benefit the UAE by increasing the value of its non-petroleum exports.
The “Water for Energy” Agreement is another significant example of regional cooperation. It involves an Emirati company building a solar power plant in Jordan to provide electricity to an Israeli desalination plant, which in turn will provide water to Jordan. This agreement highlights the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in areas such as renewable energy and water resource management, which can contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
Additionally, the agreements signed between Israeli and Emirati health organizations demonstrate the potential for cooperation in the healthcare and technology sectors. The goal of advancing personalized and innovative medicine through joint research and technological innovation has the potential to bring about significant advancements in healthcare in the region.
These examples of bilateral cooperation in various sectors demonstrate the tangible outcomes of the economic cooperation aspect of the Abraham Accords. They have the potential to create economic opportunities, promote regional stability, and foster closer ties between Israel and the UAE, setting the stage for further cooperation in the future.
