Emirati-Israeli economic cooperation will disappoint

Significance

The political status of the deal has been impaired by the departure from office of two of its architects, former US President Donald Trump and former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The promised economic and business dividends have also been slow to materialise.

Impacts

• Contacts between Israeli and UAE businesses and officials will continue but will likely focus on small-scale projects.
• Strain on Riyadh-Abu Dhabi ties has dimmed the prospects of the UAE becoming a bridge that Israel could use to access the Saudi market.
• Success for DP World in its bid for Haifa port might provide a catalyst for development of the economic relationship.