UAE in the Spotlight

UAE Foreign Policy: Navigating a Multipolar World Through Strategic Pragmatism

The American Century is arguably ending, due to its abandonment of former commitments, power diffusion, and the rise of increasing asymmetric interdependence among global actors. We are entering a multipolar era, one fraught with complexities, contestations and opportunities.

This shift is driven by several key developments: the rise of China and its Belt and Road Initiative, its active role in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and South-South Summits; the emergence of regional powers such as India, Brazil, and Turkey; alongside rapid technological revolution and pressing environmental crises—just to name a few.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a pivotal middle power, demonstrating remarkable diplomatic agility in an increasingly complex global landscape. This PPA talk, delivered by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, examines the UAE’s foreign policy evolution since 1971, emphasizing developments under Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership.

The UAE’s approach is characterized by strategic pragmatism, economic diversification, and multi-alignment rather than traditional alliances. Key pillars include cultivating comprehensive East-West partnerships, leveraging economic statecraft through strategic investments, positioning as a global trade and innovation hub, and maintaining regional stability through diplomatic engagement.

The talk will be moderated by Professor Robert Thomson, Head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, whose research interests include international governance and multipolarity, and who is examining these themes in the course Governance and Policy in International Organizations. The Fireside chat segment will be moderated by Dr. Daniel Marwecki, an expert on the Middle East  and international relations and Deputy Director of the Master of International and Public Affairs (MIPA) program.

This talk is open to both the public and the HKU community.

About the speaker

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri

Deputy Director General, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri is the Deputy Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), a position he has held since January 2022. He also holds the position of Director of the Strategy and Future Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), a role he assumed in December 2021.

At AGDA, H.E. Dr. Al Dhaheri is responsible for overseeing the Academy’s strategy and planning processes, including the development of operational plans and work programmes for organisational units. He supports the Director General in formulating and implementing strategic initiatives, establishing general policies, and guiding the Academy’s overall direction.

As Deputy Director General, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing AGDA’s vision, mission, and long-term objectives. He liaises with senior leadership across UAE stakeholders, fosters partnerships with professional and industry bodies, and works to strengthen AGDA’s academic reputation among diplomatic and foreign policy institutions, both locally and internationally.

H.E. Dr. Al Dhaheri is a distinguished diplomat who has held multiple positions at MoFAIC since joining in 2018. He served as Deputy Director of the Policy Planning Department (2018–2019) and Deputy Director of the Strategy and Future Department (2019–2021), before being appointed its Director in December 2021.
Prior to his diplomatic career, he served as an officer in the Ministry of Interior (2010 onwards), leading strategic and policy projects within the Advisory Office for the leadership.

Dr. Al Dhaheri holds a PhD in Management and Strategic Foresight (2021, London), a Master of Philosophy in Strategy and Innovation (2019, London), a Master’s in Diplomacy and International Relations (2019, AGDA), a Master’s in Human Resource Management and Development (2012, Manchester), and a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering (2011, Manchester).

Throughout his career, he has participated in several UAE government committees and earned international certifications, including EFQM Certified International Assessor, Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma, Investors in People, and Knowledge Management.

He is also a graduate of numerous executive leadership programmes, such as the Impactful Leaders Programme from the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), the Executive Leaders Programme from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and the Executive Programme in International Relations and Diplomacy at AGDA.