April 19, 2025 – Baghdad, Iraq
In a significant diplomatic development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming Arab League Summit, set to be held in Baghdad on May 17.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi, where Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein personally delivered an invitation on behalf of Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid during a visit to the Al-Shati Palace.
This marks the first time in over a decade that Baghdad will host the Arab League summit — an event that many observers see as a litmus test for Iraq’s reemergence as a regional convener and peace broker.
Symbolic Moment for Iraq-UAE Relations
The confirmation by Sheikh Mohammed is being interpreted as a powerful signal of confidence in Iraq’s growing stability and its role as a neutral platform for inter-Arab dialogue. Iraq, long seen as a conflict zone, has recently repositioned itself as a hub for diplomacy and economic cooperation in the post-ISIS era.
“This is more than a formal RSVP,” said Dr. Lina Al-Khatib, a regional affairs analyst. “The UAE’s participation represents a renewed willingness to engage in constructive, collective action in a region plagued by fragmentation.”
Focus: Regional Tensions, Unity, and Diplomacy
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed and Minister Hussein discussed key regional and global developments, including the conflict in Gaza, rising tensions in the Red Sea corridor, and the urgent need for economic collaboration across the Arab world.
In his remarks, Hussein emphasized Iraq’s commitment to de-escalation, diplomatic resolution of disputes, and inclusive partnerships that go beyond sectarian or geopolitical divides.
“We believe that dialogue — not division — is the path forward for the Arab world,” Hussein stated. “The summit in Baghdad is not just a conference. It’s a statement of purpose.”
Sheikh Mohammed reportedly echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the UAE’s full support for diplomatic efforts to restore trust and cooperation across the Middle East and North Africa.
Why Baghdad Matters
The decision to host the 2025 Arab League Summit in Baghdad is laden with symbolic and strategic weight. Not only does it reflect growing regional trust in Iraq’s political leadership, but it also signals an opportunity for revitalizing Arab consensus on critical issues.
Key agenda items for the summit are expected to include:
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The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza
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Regional security pacts and intelligence cooperation
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The future of oil diplomacy post-OPEC+
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Rebuilding Syria and Yemen
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Climate collaboration and water security
A Changing Middle East
The Middle East of 2025 is markedly different from that of just a few years ago. Normalization efforts between Arab states and Israel have slowed amid renewed violence, and rivalries between Iran and the Gulf states remain tense but more diplomatically managed.
In this context, Baghdad's summit presents an opportunity for Arab leaders to reset the tone, foster new economic alignments, and perhaps even begin work toward long-elusive political cohesion.
“The Arab League has been dormant for too long,” said Dr. Omar Khaleel, a former diplomat. “This is a moment to either reinvent it — or risk irrelevance.”
What to Expect Next
With the summit now less than a month away, diplomatic preparations are in full swing. Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, and Morocco are also expected to attend, though some leaders have not yet confirmed their presence.
Security around Baghdad is being heightened, and logistical planning is underway to accommodate dozens of heads of state, ministers, and observers, in what is likely to be the most high-profile diplomatic event hosted by Iraq in years.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet but Powerful Shift
In a region where symbolism matters as much as policy, the decision by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to stand alongside Iraq at this pivotal moment may signal a turning point — one in which former battlefields become forums for peacebuilding, and rivals can once again sit at the same table.
Whether the summit will yield tangible progress remains to be seen. But for now, the message is clear: the Arab world is talking again — and Baghdad is listening.