Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas plans to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) soon for the first time in years, Al-Monitor has learned.
Abbas is preparing for a visit to pay his respects to Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, a brother of the UAE rulers, who died Nov. 18. The trip would mark Abbas' first trip to the UAE since 2011. Saudi Arabia is helping organize the visit.
A former member of the PLO Executive Committee who follows up on Palestinian-Emirati relations told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, “The social aspect of the visit does not deny the presence of political agendas, mainly turning the page on tensions between Ramallah and Abu Dhabi, which has been sheltering Mohammed Dahlan, Abbas’ archenemy, since 2011,” when Abbas dismissed Dahlan from the Fatah party.
The source added, "Tensions rose after Abbas refused the UAE’s request in 2012 that he not seek UN membership for Palestine, [a request] based on a US suggestion. The visit might include a Palestinian request for Emirati support for the PA, which is facing a serious [financial] crisis.”
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.