Abu Dhabi seeks to regain diplomatic footing through conciliatory messaging after months of strained ties with Khartoum
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, stressing that the country’s future must be based on a comprehensive civilian transition rather than military rule.
Speaking in an interview during the “Reuters Next Gulf Summit” in Abu Dhabi, Gargash underscored the need for a political solution to end a war that has entered its third year, devastating Sudan’s economy and infrastructure.
He noted that Sudan “does not currently permit the UAE to play the humanitarian role it performs in Gaza,” but affirmed that Abu Dhabi stands ready to expand its relief efforts as soon as access is allowed.
Gargash’s appeal comes amid heightened political tension between the two countries. Sudan accuses the UAE of supplying the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with weapons and fighters—allegations that Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied. In May, Khartoum cut diplomatic ties with the UAE and designated it a “hostile state,” accusing it of funding and arming “local proxies,” in reference to the RSF.
Responding to these accusations, Gargash remarked, “If you want to be an active and influential player in the region, you must expect to face such challenges,” implying that the criticism directed at the UAE reflects ongoing regional power rivalries.
Unprecedented Economic Tensions
According to economic reports and trader testimonies, the UAE has recently imposed severe restrictions on Sudanese gold exports, dealing a heavy blow to a war‑shattered economy heavily reliant on the precious metal for foreign currency.
Abu Dhabi also suspended commercial flights and cargo operations to and from Port Sudan, hampering exports and contributing to a roughly 40% depreciation of the Sudanese pound.
Data from Sudan’s central bank shows that the UAE imported nearly 90% of Sudan’s legal gold exports—worth around $840 million—in the first half of 2025. However, analysts suggest that smuggled gold—estimated to be four times the official output—also finds its way into Emirati markets through informal networks.
Fighting Flares Anew
Meanwhile, the Sudanese capital witnessed renewed violence as RSF drones targeted Khartoum International Airport for the second consecutive day, forcing the postponement of its reopening for domestic flights after more than two years of closure.
During a visit to the site, army chief General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan vowed that the military was “determined to eliminate the rebellion and will not allow it to return,” referring to the RSF led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
In western Sudan, the siege of El Fasher in Darfur has dragged on for over 18 months, with acute shortages of food and medicine causing the city’s population to shrink by 62%, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Despite the worsening humanitarian crisis, diplomatic observers view Gargash’s remarks as a sign that the UAE is attempting to recalibrate its position after months of mutual hostility and accusations from Khartoum. The shift in tone suggests Abu Dhabi’s desire to re‑engage diplomatically as international pressure mounts for a new peace process in Sudan.
