Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on Thursday, declaring Gulf nations’ security an extension of Egypt’s national security. The two-stop tour expressed Cairo’s full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council amid regional tensions following Iranian attacks.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was received in the UAE by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian Ambassador Essam Ashour. In a private bilateral meeting, Sisi affirmed Egypt’s absolute support for UAE measures to maintain stability and condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE and other Arab states, pledging all necessary support to preserve Gulf security. Presidency spokesperson Mohamed el-Shenawy said Sisi sent a clear message to Iranian officials that Gulf nations are not parties to the ongoing war, describing the actions as “unacceptable and unjustified” and calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomacy under international law and the UN Charter. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the visit as reflecting brotherly ties, appreciated Egypt’s role in regional peace, and emphasized continued coordination. The leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged Eid al-Fitr greetings. Sisi then traveled to Qatar, greeted at Hamad International Airport by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Ambassador Walid el-Feki. In an expanded meeting, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s full alignment with Qatar and Gulf states against the attacks, supported Qatar’s right to defend its sovereignty, and briefed Qatari leaders on Egypt’s de-escalation efforts, including direct communications with Iran. Emir Sheikh Tamim expressed appreciation for the visit and Sisi’s proactive role since the crisis began, highlighting deep historical relations and the value of consulting Egypt for stability and peaceful solutions. The leaders agreed to intensify consultations focused on de-escalation and restoring regional order. Sisi concluded that Egypt and the Gulf’s shared history and destiny require activating “collective Arab national security,” returning to Cairo Thursday evening.