UAE Denies Reports of Netanyahu's Secret Visit, Emphasizes Transparent Bilateral Relations
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) today denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country and met with its president during the war with Iran. The UAE emphasized that its relationship with Israel is public and transparent, denying any undisclosed arrangements. This denial comes after Israel's office announced the secret visit and Mike Huckabee's statement about Israel providing air defense systems to the UAE.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 08:50
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Central News Agency, Jerusalem, May 13 (CNA) – Responding to claims from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office that he met with the President of the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran, the UAE today issued a statement denying reports of Netanyahu's secret visit to the country.
Agence France-Presse reported that Netanyahu's office today stated that he had made a "secret visit to the United Arab Emirates" during the war and had "met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan."
This news came a day after former US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that Israel had provided the Iron Dome air defense system to the UAE and dispatched operating personnel during its conflict with Iran.
While Netanyahu's office did not confirm Huckabee's remarks, it stated that the visit "represents a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates."
The UAE did not directly deny that such a visit occurred but responded to the "reports" about the visit.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "The United Arab Emirates denies rumors about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the UAE or the reception of any Israeli military delegation domestically."
The statement also said: "The UAE reiterates that the UAE's relationship with Israel is public and not based on opaque or unofficial arrangements. Therefore, any claims of undisclosed visits or secret arrangements are purely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant UAE authorities."
In the war sparked by the US-Israeli coalition attack on Iran in late February, the UAE has been attacked by Iran more times than any other country.
Despite a ceasefire agreement taking effect last month, the UAE has since reported multiple missile and drone attacks from Iran. (Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 1150514
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Agence France-Presse reported that Netanyahu's office today stated that he had made a "secret visit to the United Arab Emirates" during the war and had "met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan."
This news came a day after former US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that Israel had provided the Iron Dome air defense system to the UAE and dispatched operating personnel during its conflict with Iran.
While Netanyahu's office did not confirm Huckabee's remarks, it stated that the visit "represents a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates."
The UAE did not directly deny that such a visit occurred but responded to the "reports" about the visit.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "The United Arab Emirates denies rumors about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the UAE or the reception of any Israeli military delegation domestically."
The statement also said: "The UAE reiterates that the UAE's relationship with Israel is public and not based on opaque or unofficial arrangements. Therefore, any claims of undisclosed visits or secret arrangements are purely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant UAE authorities."
In the war sparked by the US-Israeli coalition attack on Iran in late February, the UAE has been attacked by Iran more times than any other country.
Despite a ceasefire agreement taking effect last month, the UAE has since reported multiple missile and drone attacks from Iran. (Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 1150514
Choose to stand with facts, your sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "Firsthand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.