UAE Purchases Land for Permanent Embassy in Israel

UAE’s First Permanent Embassy in Israel

The UAE has purchased land in Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, to build its first permanent embassy in Israel, valued at tens of millions of shekels.
The land acquisition marks a key milestone in UAE-Israel relations, which were normalized under the Abraham Accords in 2020.
This purchase moves beyond the temporary embassy offices the UAE has used since 2021 in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building.

The plot, measuring 2.5 dunams (0.6 acres), is located in a business district with high-tech hubs.
The purchase was coordinated with the Israel Land Authority and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office after a four-year search.
Construction of the embassy is fast-tracked with national priority approval by the Tel Aviv District Planning Committee.

The embassy will feature a 15-story tower with diplomatic offices, staff residences, and high security, including a 5-meter-high perimeter fence.
Design focus: A modern, flexible structure that balances security and aesthetics.
Construction timeline: Work will begin soon, with no exact completion date yet, but officials aim for rapid progress.

The UAE's move is a symbolic gesture of long-term diplomatic commitment, despite ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict.
The Abraham Accords have boosted UAE-Israel ties in trade, technology, and tourism, though Palestinian critics argue the UAE’s actions undermine Palestinian causes.
Reactions in Israel and the UAE are mixed, with some celebrating it as a sign of strong ties, while others criticize it in light of regional conflicts.

The UAE’s embassy move could encourage other Abraham Accords signatories, like Bahrain and Morocco, to pursue similar steps with Israel.
It also highlights the UAE's pragmatic approach to diplomacy, prioritizing stability and economic ties despite disagreements on certain issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.