The air was heavy with anticipation on January 15, 2025, when Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement, bringing to a close a seemingly interminable conflict that had ravaged the region. By January 19, the guns fell silent, marking the end of an arduous struggle that had left a monumental mark on Gaza. As the dust began to settle, the spotlight shifted toward the burnt city’s inevitable rebirth. Enter the United Arab Emirates, a shimmering beacon of opportunity amid the shadows of desolation. The UAE, rich in oil, gas, and ambition, sees its role as a pivotal player in the reconstruction and stabilization of Gaza, adding finesse to the sooty aftermath of war.
Peeling back the layers of contemporary Middle Eastern diplomacy, one finds the UAE taking center stage in a world seeking stability amidst chaos. This strategic juggernaut, seasoned by its rivalry with Qatar, signed the historic Abraham Accords with Israel in 2020. It navigates its standing with meticulous care, realizing that optics matter immensely in a region pulsating with support for the Palestinian cause.
To this end, Abu Dhabi’s deft deployment of diplomacy and humanitarian aid paints a picture of an ally to the Gazans. Planes soaring through the skies transport the wounded from Gaza to Abu Dhabi, bypassing restrictions through Israel. At the Egyptian-Gaza border, in a barren slice of the Sinai desert, the UAE has erected a floating hospital and erected massive aid storage facilities. Even more impressive, their desalination plants promise fresh water to 600,000 Gazans—a quarter of the enclave’s populace.
The numbers are grim. After fifteen months of war, more than 46,000 souls have perished, with 110,000 more left bearing scars both seen and unseen. The cost of rebuilding estimates at a staggering $40 billion, rivaling efforts not seen since World War II. As experts sketch out the pathways of reconstruction, questions arise: How will Gaza rebuild? What does the “day after” look like in this scarred land?
To unravel these queries, daring journalists Sophie Guignon, Chloé Domat, and Claire Duhamel ventured from the UAE to Egypt, and Israel, piecing together the complex tapestry of post-war restoration. Their journey yields a captivating video report for France24, aptly named “All Eyes on Gaza: UAE positions itself for post-war period.” In breathtaking detail, the report outlines the UAE’s ambitious aid initiatives, medical evacuations, and infrastructure ventures, heralding them as champions of peace and stabilizers of a precarious future.
Evacuation efforts funnel distressed Gazans to the Emirates Humanitarian City (EHC), a bustling hive currently sheltering over 2,200 individuals. Within its embrace is a mosaic of support: schools, medical and physiotherapy centers, and vibrant playrooms offering respite and recovery.
A keen eye is cast upon UAE’s strategic peace negotiations, granting it invaluable channels into Gaza, often through Egypt’s land. Along the Gaza border, remnants of Rafah bear witness to the dexterous efforts of UAE engineers, laying the groundwork for a future more hopeful.
Viewers are ushered into the UAE’s floating hospital in Al Arish, a marvel to behold with its state-of-the-art technology and the ability to conduct up to 15 surgeries daily—a linchpin in the region’s healthcare arsenal.
Her Excellency, Reem Al Hashimy, provides a statement as poignant as it is aspirational. She emphasizes that true peace requires more than just bricks and mortar. “There is no point to rebuild and then have this repeat,” she urges, advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state as a linchpin to long-term peace that could reshape regional alliances. The emphasis is equally on a reformed Palestinian government poised to meet its people’s needs.
While UAE avows non-interference in Gaza’s political realm, the documentary briefly touches on Mohamed Dahlan’s presence in Abu Dhabi, chronicling his history of charitable ventures and the tangled threads of controversy shadowing his steps.
The narrative concludes by shadowing young brothers Mustafa and Ali, as they navigate their new lives in Abu Dhabi, a tapestry of aspirations woven into their lives’ next chapter. Their journey introspects the monumental challenge of reconstructing a homeland, a venture for which the UAE continuously primes itself.
This elucidating documentary graces screens tomorrow on France24, available in multiple languages, promising a widespread reach into 522 million households and a digital audience exceeding 23 million monthly visits, ensuring the story of Gaza’s new dawn will echo across the globe.
The UAE’s role in Gaza’s rebuilding is both fascinating and complex. I fear geopolitics might overshadow genuine humanitarian efforts.
Agreed! While the UAE has the resources, their political motives can sometimes be a slippery slope.
True, intentions are often layered. But if UAE can help in Gaza, isn’t that worth exploring?
I’m more cynical. I believe the UAE is using this as a PR exercise rather than authentic peacemaking.
All countries have motives. If positive outcomes come from it, does the motive really matter?
I kind of agree. At least Gaza stands to benefit, right?
Sure, but isn’t it risky to rely on potentially self-serving allies?
The spotlight on the UAE ignores the real issue: Gaza needs political autonomy. No amount of aid can replace that.
Yes! Without addressing root causes, we’re doomed to repeat history.
Hard to argue with that, but isn’t aid part of the journey towards autonomy?
I watched the documentary. The human stories are touching, but the political narrative is oversimplified.
Absolutely. Media often glosses over the complexities for the sake of storytelling.
I think the desalination project is a game-changer. Fresh water is so crucial for Gaza!
Definitely, water access will transform lives. It’s the foundation of rebuilding.
Fresh water alone can reshape Gaza’s future more than any political maneuvering!
Reem Al Hashimy’s statement about peace struck a chord. It’s not just about rebuilding buildings, but building futures.
I find it hopeful that UAE is investing in education and medical care for Gazans in their transitional phase.
Sure, but how long can support like this last without a stable political solution?
True, but at least it’s a start. Every step counts in situations like this.
Is anyone else worried about Dahlan’s involvement? His past in Gaza isn’t exactly clean.
Why not focus on the positive impact of UAE’s internship programs for Gazan youth in recovery?
Internships are nice, but do they address the long-term economic independence?
Watching Mustafa and Ali’s story really made me think about the personal toll of these conflicts.
I don’t think rebuilding means much without major reforms in Palestinian leadership.
Leadership reform is needed, but I doubt external influence is the best way forward.
The UAE’s floating hospitals are an impressive commitment to immediate care.
Yeah, it’s effective right now, but again, what about the long term?
The documentary’s reach is incredible. Hope it sparks more global dialogue about Gaza’s future.