A senior United Arab Emirates official has expressed cautious hope that talks between the United States and Iran could prevent another regional war. He pointed to recent progress through Qatar’s mediation but warned that a fresh military confrontation remains possible.
Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the UAE’s Federal National Council, said both sides must build trust and find a political solution.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, he said recent developments offered some reason for optimism. However, he stressed that the UAE was not ruling out another round of fighting.
His comments came after Reuters reported on November 5 that Iran had sent a new nuclear proposal to Washington through Qatar. The move raised hopes of renewed diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Tehran has continued to demand that Washington meet seven conditions before formal negotiations can move forward. These include sanctions relief and an end to the US naval blockade.
US President Donald Trump has not ruled out further military action. Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any new fighting could lead to wider retaliation across the region.
For the UAE, the stakes are especially high. The country faced thousands of Iranian missile and drone attacks during the earlier conflict. Although no fresh Iranian strikes had targeted the Emirates since May, officials remain concerned about the risk of another escalation.
Al Nuaimi said the UAE was preparing for every possible outcome. He explained that the country hoped for peace but would remain ready to deal with any threat.
This approach was also visible during a reporting visit across the Emirates. Despite the regional tensions, daily life in Dubai appeared largely unchanged.
Restaurants remained busy, tourists filled public areas and crowds gathered to watch the city’s evening fountain shows. Shops and businesses continued to operate, while international visitors arrived as usual.
The busy streets offered a sharp contrast with the security concerns facing the country. Dubai continued to present itself as a safe and open international destination, even as the possibility of another conflict remained.
A similar picture emerged in Abu Dhabi during ADIPEC 2026, one of the world’s largest energy conferences. Delegates from many countries gathered to discuss investment, energy supplies and new technology.
The event took place while tensions with Iran continued to affect regional shipping and energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern because of its importance to global oil trade.
Security worries also affected the conference before it opened. Reuters reported on October 29 that senior executives from ExxonMobil and Chevron had canceled their planned visits.
Despite their absence, the exhibition halls remained active. Companies and officials continued to announce partnerships and discuss new projects.
The UAE’s response reflects an effort to protect its economy while preparing for possible security threats. The country wants to remain a trusted destination for investment, trade and international business.
The threat from Iran has already caused serious concern. More than 3,000 Iranian missiles and drones targeted the UAE during the conflict, according to figures cited by The Associated Press on November 2. The attacks caused casualties and damaged civilian infrastructure.
Al Nuaimi said the UAE remained committed to peace but had the right to defend its people and territory if attacked. He also made clear that the country’s criticism of the Iranian government did not extend to the Iranian population.
He described Iranians as people with a rich history and culture who deserve respect. His remarks showed that the UAE wanted to keep a distinction between the actions of Tehran’s leadership and the people of Iran.
The official also rejected the idea that the UAE’s relationship with Washington depended on the current conflict or the political leadership in the White House.
He described the US-UAE relationship as a long-term strategic partnership that reaches beyond defense and security. Education, medicine, technology, energy and investment are also important parts of the relationship.
Al Nuaimi said the UAE intended to maintain close ties with the United States as a country and with its people, regardless of changes in administration.
His comments came as Gulf states continued to review their security needs amid rising regional risks. Strong ties with Washington remain important, but governments in the region are also seeking ways to protect their economies and infrastructure.
At the opening of ADIPEC on November 2, UAE Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber said the country’s ability to manage disruption came from years of planning.
He said the UAE had developed its resilience strategy long before the current crisis began.
That message reflects the country’s wider approach. Abu Dhabi hopes diplomacy can prevent another war, but it is also preparing for the possibility that talks may fail. For the UAE, keeping the economy strong and protecting national security remain equally important.
