UAE President Meets US Envoy Tackling Antisemitism

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, met with Ambassador Yehuda Kaplan, the U.S. State Department's Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, on Thursday morning. Kaplan was seen departing the UAE leader's residence following the meeting, according to a diplomatic source cited by i24NEWS. The envoy also met with other rulers and senior government officials during his visit to the UAE.

Kaplan's office declined to comment on the meeting, stating that the ambassador's travel schedule is not discussed with the media. The State Department office led by Kaplan is responsible for advancing U.S. efforts to counter antisemitism abroad. This includes collaborating with foreign governments, monitoring antisemitic incidents and rhetoric, and promoting policies aimed at protecting Jewish communities and fostering religious tolerance.

The meeting occurs amid ongoing regional interest in combating antisemitism, promoting religious coexistence, and the role of education in countering prejudice. Saudi Arabia has undertaken a multi-year initiative to review its school curricula and remove content perceived as promoting religious intolerance, as it seeks to project a more moderate image and enhance international partnerships.

The UAE has also prioritized interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in its diplomatic agenda. Since normalizing relations with Israel in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, the UAE has developed official diplomatic, commercial, and security ties with Israel. Abu Dhabi has also promoted coexistence initiatives, such as the Abrahamic Family House, a complex housing a mosque, church, and synagogue.