Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, US economist Jeffrey Sachs has cautioned that the United Arab Emirates could face serious consequences if it directly joins the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States.
‘Tourist Cities Could Become Targets’
Sachs warned that key UAE cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi—known globally as tourism and financial hubs—could become vulnerable if the country enters the war.
He argued that these cities are not heavily fortified military zones and could be exposed to potential attacks if geopolitical tensions escalate further.
Criticism of UAE’s Strategic Position
Sachs described the UAE’s alignment with the US and Israel as a “miscalculation,” suggesting that deeper involvement in the conflict could worsen risks rather than enhance security.
He also criticised broader regional decisions like participation in the Abraham Accords, calling them strategically flawed in the current volatile environment.
Context: Rising Regional Tensions
The warning comes as:
- The US pushes for a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz
- Iran warns countries against allowing their territory to be used for attacks
- Gulf nations weigh their roles amid increasing military and diplomatic pressure
Bigger Picture
While Sachs’ remarks reflect his personal assessment and not official policy, they underline growing concerns that any expansion of the conflict could pull more countries into direct risk, especially those hosting strategic bases or aligning with one side.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomacy and military posturing continuing simultaneously across the region.