Qatar and UAE to Reopen Embassies, Ending Years-Long Hiatus

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates announced the return of diplomatic relations between both countries on Monday, making the final step to reconcile and put an end to the Gulf Cooperation Council crisis that began in 2017.

“Qatar and the United Arab Emirates announce the restoration of diplomatic representation between the two countries by resuming the work at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Abu Dhabi and its consulate in Dubai, and at the embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Doha as of Monday, June 19, 2023,” Doha's foreign ministry stated.

Qatar, UAE Announce Restoration of Diplomatic Representation#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/LkokHj5sRr

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 19, 2023

Qatar's foreign ministry stated that the decision to resume mutual diplomatic representation with the United Arab Emirates was in accordance with the Al-Ula Agreement. Both countries expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, referring to the landmark 2021 accord that resolved the most severe regional rift in the area's history.

“The two sides affirm that this step comes as an embodiment of the will of the leaderships of the two countries, and in the consolidation of the path towards joint Arab action, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples,” the statement added.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani also received a phone call from the UAE’s foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.