Hussien Elkabany, Rania Abushamala

29 September 2026•Update: 29 September 2026

The United Arab Emirates called Monday for de-escalation in a region facing “transformations and divisions” and stressed that supply chains must be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.

UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar made the remarks in an address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

“The region is witnessing transformations and divisions, and tensions must be reduced,” Al Marar said.

The appeal came amid a war that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and sites in regional countries, including the UAE. Subsequent US strikes on Iran and disagreements over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have complicated talks between Washington and Tehran, despite a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June.

“My country remains committed to moderation, rejecting violence and extremism, and investing in people and in the immense potential of our region,” Al Marar said. “We extend our hands to partners in the region and around the world to build rather than destroy, and to bring people together rather than divide them.”

He said the UAE was preparing to host this year’s UN Water Conference in partnership with Senegal, citing the need for joint action on water, climate and food security. He invited countries to attend the conference in Abu Dhabi and said the UAE hoped it would advance practical solutions to strengthen water security.

On Sudan, Al Marar called for an end to the war and said neither side in the conflict should take part in shaping the country’s future.

Sudan has repeatedly rejected treating its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as equivalent parties, saying the RSF must be disarmed. Sudanese authorities have accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, a claim Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied.

The war between Sudan’s army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced about 13 million, according to UN and international estimates.