Monday, 25 May 2026
Sisi visits UAE, Qatar in show of support for Gulf amid rising regional tensions
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi on Thursday paid brief fraternal visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, in a show of solidarity with Gulf states amid heightened regional tensions, the presidency said.
Sisi began his several‑hour tour in Abu Dhabi, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to presidential spokesman Mohamed El‑Shenawy. The two leaders held a closed meeting in which Sisi voiced Egypt’s full support for the UAE in the current circumstances and condemned what he described as unjustified Iranian attacks on the UAE and other Arab states.
Sisi stressed that Gulf security is an extension of Egypt’s own national security and said Cairo is ready to provide all forms of support to safeguard the stability of the UAE and other Gulf nations, the spokesman added. He said Egypt has delivered a clear message to Iran that Gulf countries are not part of the ongoing conflict and that attacks on them are unacceptable and must stop immediately.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Sisi’s visit, saying it reflected the strong fraternal ties between the two countries. He praised Egypt’s steadfast support for the UAE and its role in promoting regional stability, the presidency said.
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments of mutual concern, and exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid al‑Fitr before Sheikh Mohamed saw Sisi off at the airport.
Sisi then travelled to Doha, where he was greeted at Hamad International Airport by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al‑Thani and Egypt’s ambassador to Qatar, Walid El‑Fiqi.
During expanded talks attended by both countries’ delegations, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s “complete support” for Qatar and its alignment with all Gulf states facing what he called condemned attacks on their territories. He reiterated Egypt’s readiness to provide all necessary support to help preserve Qatar’s security and stability.
Sisi also reviewed Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate tensions, including contacts with Iran in which Cairo condemned Iranian actions and urged an immediate halt to them, the presidency said.
Sheikh Tamim expressed deep appreciation for Sisi’s visit and for Egypt’s consistent support for Qatar’s stability and sovereignty. He highlighted the historic ties between the two countries and said Doha valued its coordination with Cairo to restore regional stability and promote peaceful solutions.
Both leaders discussed regional issues of joint interest and agreed to intensify Egyptian‑Qatari consultations in the coming period on steps to reduce escalation. Sheikh Tamim bid farewell to Sisi at Doha International Airport at the end of the visit.
Sisi returned to Egypt safely on Thursday evening, the presidency said.