Israel: UAE opens embassy in Tel Aviv

The newly opened embassy is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building and its opening followed the inauguration of Israel’s embassy in the UAE last month.

Excited to start the morning with the historic event of the opening of the United Arab Emirates embassy in Israel.

We are a nation of peace and those who are interested in peace with us will be welcomed with open arms. pic.twitter.com/2akAGVxLSt

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 14, 2021

After opening the embassies, both countries marked another milestone in diplomatic relations following the Abraham Accords.

The event was attended by Israel’s new President Isaac Herzog, UAE Minister of Food and Water Security Mariam Al-Muhairi, UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Al Khaja and other local officials.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Al Khaja spoke about the human spirit as the main force driving the relations forward.

“This Embassy will serve not only as a [place] for diplomats but as a base for our task to continue to build our new partnership… to build a new paradigm of peace and to provide a model for a new collaborative approach,” said Al Khaja.

Great honor to open the UAE Embassy in Israel. The UAE's commitment to the Abraham Accords is unbreakable and is now cast in concrete here, in Tel Aviv. @UAEinIsrael #UAEinIsrael pic.twitter.com/Xl1WgILGhB

— Mohamed Al Khaja (@AmbAlKhaja) July 14, 2021

Israeli President Isaac Herzog described both countries as innovative nations with shared values whose relationship will benefit the entire region.

“The opening of this embassy is an important milestone in our shared journey towards a future of peace, prosperity and security for the Middle East,” said Herzog.

Israeli president @Isaac_Herzog and UAE Ambassador @AmbAlKhaja stand during the National Anthem Ishy Biladi in Tel Aviv after the flag raising ceremony 🇦🇪🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/nb1pD6GjbC

— Michal Divon מיכל דיבון ميخال ديفون (@michaldivon) July 14, 2021

Two weeks earlier, Israel opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi, signalling the potential beginning of a new era of cooperation for the two countries initiated by a US-brokered deal in September 2020.

The location of the embassy in Tel Aviv is aimed to avoid the controversial section of East Jerusalem annexed during the 1967 Six-Day War.