Skip to main content

UAE tries to scuttle Qatar-Saudi reconciliation

There are signs that ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia are improving, but the United Arab Emirates is maintaining a hard-line position on Doha, threatening Gulf reconciliation.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani reviews honour guards during a welcoming ceremony at Algiers airport April 2, 2014. REUTERS/Louafi Larbi (ALGERIA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR3JOO5
Read in 

It is no surprise that Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani was given a warm royal welcome in Saudi Arabia on July 22, which might suggest that the Gulf crisis is coming to an end.

The official news did not disclose any details on the visit, except that it was for the purpose of “discussing the prospects for cooperation between the two countries,” the standard statement used for all meetings between official Gulf delegations. The visit of the Qatari emir came after an Omani delegation headed to Riyadh on March 20, attempting to mediate to end the Qatari-Saudi feud.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.