Today's Edition
Imam Mohammad Tawhidi*
While global security threats evolve rapidly, the United Arab Emirates stands as a beacon of resolute opposition to terrorism. Unlike approaches that fluctuate based on shifting alliances or short-term gains, the UAE’s rejection of terrorism is absolute and consistent, rooted in a comprehensive strategy that addresses root causes, enforces stringent laws, and fosters international cooperation. And as the Middle East navigates ongoing instability, the UAE’s model offers a blueprint for enduring stability, prioritising peace over expediency.
The UAE’s anti-terrorism framework is built on a foundation of robust legislation and proactive measures. Since 1971, the nation has prioritised security as a pillar of its development, but its modern counterterrorism efforts gained momentum in the early 2000s amid rising global threats.
Central to this narrative is the UAE’s handling of the Brotherhood, a transnational terror organisation founded in Egypt in 1928 that has spawned affiliates across the globe. The Brotherhood presents itself as a socio-political movement advocating for Islamic governance, but provides ideological cover for terrorist organisations. In 2014, the UAE became one of the first nations to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and its local affiliates, such as al-Islah, as terrorist entities. This decision was not reactionary but stemmed from evidence of the group’s involvement in subversive activities, including attempts to undermine state institutions and support radical networks.
The UAE’s Cabinet decree listed over 80 organisations, including the Brotherhood, as threats to national security, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy toward entities that exploit religion for political disruption. This stance has been vindicated internationally; in January 2026, the United States followed suit by designating Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist organisations, a move the UAE welcomed as a step toward global accountability.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed this as recognition of the Brotherhood’s role in fostering violence and instability, emphasising that such groups cannot be appeased for diplomatic convenience.
What sets the UAE apart is its refusal to waver in this fight, even when geopolitical winds shift. While some nations have selectively condemned terrorism only when it aligns with their interests, perhaps overlooking certain groups during alliances or negotiations, the UAE maintains an unyielding position.
Terrorism, in the UAE’s view, is an existential threat that transcends borders, ideologies or momentary advantages. This is evident in its military engagements: the UAE has deployed forces alongside the US in six coalition missions, more than any other Arab nation, combating groups like ISIS, Al Qaeda, and Hezbollah.
Domestically, the Higher Committee for Crises and Terrorist Acts Management (HCCTAM) in Abu Dhabi leads a counterterrorism strategy that integrates smart technologies to monitor and disrupt extremist networks.
On the international front, the UAE’s diplomacy reinforces its anti-terrorism ethos. It has ratified over 15 regional and global conventions on counterterrorism and actively participates in forums like the UN’s Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism. In May 2025, the UAE co-hosted a workshop with the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency on proliferation finance risks, promoting Gulf-wide strategies against weapons of mass destruction funding.
These actions highlight a proactive stance, not one dictated by convenience. The UAE’s approach extends beyond enforcement to prevention, tackling extremism’s ideological roots. Initiatives like the Hedayah Centre for Combating Violent Extremism promote tolerance and counter radical narratives through education and community engagement.
This holistic strategy has earned praise; the US State Department’s 2022 Country Reports on Terrorism noted the UAE’s advancements in countering terrorist financing and international cooperation.
In contrast to selective policies observed elsewhere, where terrorism is condemned only when it suits political narratives, the UAE’s rejection is principled and impartial. It does not differentiate based on the perpetrator’s affiliation or the victim’s identity; terrorism in all forms is anathema. This consistency has bolstered the UAE’s role as a stabilising force in the region, attracting investment and serving as the home of the Abraham Accords.
By designating groups like the Brotherhood without hesitation, the UAE exposes the dangers of ideological extremism masquerading as legitimate politics, urging the world to adopt similar vigilance. As global threats persist, from cyber-enabled radicalisation to state-sponsored proxies, the UAE’s model proves that unwavering commitment yields results.
For nations grappling with terrorism’s scourge, the UAE offers a lesson: true security stems from rejecting terror unequivocally, not opportunistically. In doing so, it not only safeguards its citizens but also contributes to a safer world, where peace is not negotiable.
*Parliamentary Adviser and research partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory
