Senior UAE scholar says US bases are 'a burden and not a strategic asset'

A senior Emirati scholar, Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, has stated that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should consider closing US military bases, describing them as “a burden and not a strategic asset.” Abdulla, who is connected to the UAE's leadership, expressed these views on social media platform X and reiterated his comments in an interview with Reuters. He argued that the UAE has demonstrated its capability to defend itself, particularly during instances of Iranian aggression, and therefore no longer requires American military support for its defense. Abdulla emphasized that the UAE's focus should shift towards acquiring advanced weaponry from the United States rather than maintaining a military presence. He asserted that the current US bases do not serve the strategic interests of the UAE and suggested that it is time to reassess their necessity. The US maintains at least 19 military sites in the Middle East, with eight classified as permanent bases, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The remarks reflect a significant shift in the UAE's defense posture and its relationship with the United States. Abdulla's comments may indicate a growing sentiment within the UAE regarding its military independence and the need for modernization of its defense capabilities. The discussion surrounding the future of US bases in the UAE is likely to continue as regional dynamics evolve.