The Israeli pavilion at the 2020 Dubai Expo is scheduled to open on Oct. 7. But even before opening, it has become an important platform from strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. Three Israeli ministers either have visited or will visit the United Arab Emirates in relation to the exposition. Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg and Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked have already concluded their trips and Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov will inaugurate the Israeli pavilion in Dubai on Thursday.

The two Israeli ministers wasted no time in the Emirates. Zandberg arrived on Oct. 4 to meet with Emirati Climate Change and Environment Minister Mariam Almheiri to discuss cooperation on environmental projects. She said after the meeting, “In July we signed in Israel a series of understandings on the environment and climate, and today we met at the Expo Dubai for our first work meeting in order to begin breaking it down into projects. We have many shared challenges and many shared opportunities.” In a tweet, Zandberg referred to Almheiri as "my friend."

Zandberg also met with Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, the director of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. The two women discussed recycling, single-use plastics, air quality, biodiversity and many other topics. Zandberg said at the meeting, “Israel is located in a unique geographic location and shares many challenges with Gulf nations. The climate crisis threatens our national security as well as the rest of the world. We must prepare for it and also find solutions including moving to a carbon-free economy, while still supporting weaker populations.” She added, “Israel has an important role to play in the global efforts to prepare for and fight the climate crisis. Regional cooperation is key.”

Zandberg told Al-Monitor today, "Israel shares many challenges with the Gulf countries and we have great experience in developing innovative solutions to address the challenges of living in a desert environment. I look forward to cooperating with the UAE from climate mitigation and adaptation to circular economy solutions, marine environment protection and biodiversity conservation." The minister added that cooperation will be helpful not only for the environment, human health and quality of life, but also for the two nations' economies, saying, "Peace brings an opportunity to strengthen the environment, the society and the economy of the two countries and to work together for a common future."