Abu Dhabi | September 29, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, visited the United Arab Emirates on Sunday at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office.
The PMO said the visit focused on strengthening relations between Israel and the UAE and addressing regional challenges. The UAE later confirmed the visit, with its state news agency WAM reporting that Sheikh Mohamed discussed bilateral relations with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu was accompanied by senior Israeli officials, including the head of the National Security Council, the director of the Mossad, his military secretary and his foreign policy adviser.
The visit took place amid heightened regional tensions and renewed attention on Israel-UAE security and diplomatic ties. Israel and the UAE established formal diplomatic relations in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.
Reuters reported that three senior Israeli officials said the meeting lasted around six hours and focused on Iran, although the official Israeli statement described the discussions more broadly as concerning bilateral relations and regional challenges.
The trip was not publicly announced in advance. Israeli media reported Netanyahu's travel to Abu Dhabi before the Israeli government formally acknowledged the visit.
The visit also comes after a recent report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz alleging that Sheikh Mohamed had warned Netanyahu ahead of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Netanyahu has denied that report. The UAE has not publicly confirmed the alleged warning.
Netanyahu's office said the Abu Dhabi visit was focused on strengthening bilateral relations and regional challenges. It also rejected reports suggesting the meeting was centered on the allegations surrounding the 2023 warning.
The latest meeting underscores the continued communication between Israel and the UAE despite disagreements over regional developments. Both countries have maintained diplomatic channels since the Abraham Accords, while the UAE has also sought to preserve its role in regional diplomacy.
No specific agreements or new initiatives were publicly announced following Sunday's meeting.
The visit represents another high-level contact between Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed as both governments navigate regional security issues and their bilateral relationship.
