Today: 1 August 2025
1 July 2021
4 mins read

Israel Seeks Better Ties With Arab World

Israel FM’s revelation of the bilateral trade figure validates the estimates made by some Israeli and UAE officials, soon after announcing the Accords, that even initial bilateral economic engagements would run into hundreds of millions of dollars, Binsal Abdulkader interviews Yair Lapid

Israel-UAE bilateral trade has reached over NIS2.2 billion (AED2.48 billion/US$675.22 million), within ten months of signing the Abraham Accords in September 2020, according to Israel’s top diplomat.

In an exclusive interview, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said, “It is estimated that the bilateral trade potential will multiply many times over in the coming years.”

Lapid, who reached Abu Dhabi on Tuesday morning for a two-day official visit, is the first Israeli minister to visit the UAE since Abraham Accords were signed. This is his second foreign visit since he became the Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the new coalition government formed this month. His first visit was to Rome early this week.

Lapid’s revelation of the latest bilateral trade figure validates the estimates made by some Israeli and UAE officials, soon after announcing the Accords, that even initial bilateral economic engagements would run into hundreds of millions of dollars.

Dubai Government announced on 30th January that the emirate’s trade with Israel in five months (September 2020-January 2021) had reached a value of AED1 billion (US$272.26 million).

Pic credits Twitter@IsraelMFA

Not a ceremonial visit

The top Israeli diplomat said “it is a huge honour” to be the first Israeli minister to embark on an official visit to the UAE. “This is not, however, a technical or ceremonial visit; it is part of a deep understanding that begins here with the shared journey of true cooperation.”

“This visit does not occur in a vacuum, it comes after the comprehensive work carried out by many people, which is bearing fruit today. This historic moment is thanks to them, and benefits us all,” he added.

He inaugurated the Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday afternoon and met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He also opened the Israeli Consulate General in Dubai on Wednesday.

Real peace not on paper

About the prospects in educational, cultural and sports arenas and people-to-people relations between Israel and the UAE, Lapid said, “Real peace does not exist on paper but in peace between nations, peoples, and cultures. I am happy to see that Israelis are coming to visit the UAE and I am sure that joint tourism will expand, and we look forward to welcoming Emirati tourists to Israel.

“The first year [of Abraham accords and first official visit] are just the beginning of the journey.

Pic credits Twitter@IsraelMFA

“We need to allow our economies to integrate and prosper. We need to preserve the open dialogue and open-mindedness.”

Israel’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which will open in October, is another stepping stone in the building of relations, he said, added that the initiative, innovation and cooperation in health, education and technology will build ties for many years that will benefit generation to come.

Cooperation in advanced technologies

The Israeli minister said that business cooperation in the field of advanced technologies between Israel and the UAE “finds expression, among other things,” in B2B-level transactions and in the encouragement of Israeli startups to develop technologically and financially and establish branches in the UAE.

“Since September 2020, a number of transactions, valued at tens of millions of dollars, have been signed between Israeli and Emirati companies in the fields of AI, cyber, renewable energy, water security, health and more,” Lapid explained.

UAE, Israel ink key pact on economic, trade cooperation

“The horizons are promising for companies from both countries operating in these and other fields, including food security and desert-tech.”

Apart from ten economic agreements that had been signed between the two governments, other agreements are in the negotiations stage, “as part of the establishment of the bilateral infrastructure agreement between our countries within the framework of the Abraham Accords,” the minister added.

From media to politics

Lapid, who was a media celebrity before entering politics, said, “The decision to leave life in the media and television was easy for me. I love the State of Israel and I knew that real change is made through political work in the Knesset [parliament] and government.”

His father, Yosef Lapid, a Holocaust survivor and an antireligious politician, once also headed a centrist party and served as justice minister. His mother, Shulamit Lapid, is a well-known novelist.

UAE, Israel ink key pact on economic, trade cooperation@AmbAlKhaja

Although many people and events throughout the life have shaped him, one of the biggest influencers was his father, he revealed.

“His history and his story as a child in the ghetto during the Holocaust whose childhood was stripped away from him, and the deep understanding that Jews need a state and that children need protection, are foundational elements in my worldview. My intelligent mother and her family, as well as my wife and my three children, are also part of who I am today, from my decision-making process through to what drives me,” he said.

ALSO READ: UAE, Israel ink key pact on economic, trade cooperation

Previous Story

Etisalat announces 6G plans

Next Story

UAE vows to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities

Latest from -Top News

Netanyahu Blasts UK Over Palestine Plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his plan to recognise the State of Palestine, accusing him of rewarding “monstrous terrorism” of Hamas. “Starmer rewards Hamas’s

India, Syria Eye Closer Ties

In addition to the meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister, the Indian delegation also held discussions with Syrian Health Minister Musab Al-Ali on Monday….reports Asian Lite News An Indian delegation, currently on

Syria Needs Order, Says UN Envoy

Pedersen expressed concern about credible reports of widespread violations and abuses in Sweida, including summary executions…reports Asian Lite News UN Syria Envoy Geir Pedersen urged interim authorities to act with professionalism and

Killing Fields of Gaza

While Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue to dominate global headlines after hundreds of days of conflict, a parallel and equally devastating crisis is unfolding — one that receives far less attention: deepening

Palestine: UK MPs Urge PM to Emulate France

Global condemnation has been growing over Israel’s blockade of most aid with reports of starvation and widespread malnutrition in Gaza Keir Starmer has confirmed the government will be “taking forward” plans to
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Rise of UAE as a global soft power

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE’s soft power lies in its

ATM 2025 sets new standard 

The global event drew over 55,000 travel and tourism professionals