Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi made a short, unannounced trip to the United Arab Emirates, meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The visit coincided with press reports suggesting differences between Egypt and the UAE over several regional files, including Sudan, Somalia, Libya and the Red Sea.
The Egyptian presidency’s statement on the visit did not directly address recent developments in the Red Sea or the complex situations in Sudan and Somalia. Instead, it placed clear emphasis on economic issues and on strengthening investment cooperation between the two countries.
A day after his visit to the UAE, el-Sisi met in Cairo with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Timing of the Visit
Abdulaziz Sultan Al-Maamari, an Emirati political analyst and writer, rejected the media reports that pointed to divergence between Cairo and Abu Dhabi on a number of regional issues. He described the timing of el-Sisi’s visit as a “practical response to rumors,” arguing that claims of discord are often driven by “a superficial reading of natural differences on certain files.”
“Confident states do not explain their relationships; they practice them,” Al-Maamari said.
By contrast, Ismail Turki, a professor of political science, said the visit came as part of Egypt’s efforts to build regional solidarity and coordination, even in the presence of differing views on some issues.
Turki noted that Cairo is seeking to move from a phase of “confronting challenges” to one of “anticipating them,” based on what he described as Egypt’s understanding that its national security is directly linked to regional security. He stressed Egypt’s emphasis on supporting the nation-state and its institutions, foremost among them regular armies, and rejecting engagement with entities that fall short of statehood.
Since taking office in 2014, el-Sisi has visited the UAE around 15 times, underscoring what officials describe as a high level of coordination between the two countries. The official statement also reaffirmed Egypt’s openness to attracting additional Emirati investments and described the bilateral relationship as a pillar of Arab national security and regional stability.
Economy Takes Center Stage
As reflected in the Egyptian presidency’s statement, economic issues featured prominently during the visit, particularly in light of recent developments related to Emirati investments in the Egyptian market.
Last month, the state-owned Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport announced its rejection of a proposal to sell its roughly 35.37% stake in Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company. The decision followed a disclosure by Abu Dhabi-based Black Caspian Logistics Holding Ltd., a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, of its intention to submit a mandatory tender offer at 22.99 Egyptian pounds per share to acquire up to 90% of the company’s capital.
The Emirati firm currently owns about 19.32% of the shares, after acquiring a stake in November 2025 that had previously been held by the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company.
Al-Maamari said the emphasis on economic cooperation during the meeting reflects “a shared understanding that the economy is the main pillar for achieving stability.” He added that the UAE invests according to a development-oriented vision based on partnerships that deliver mutual benefit, noting that Egypt’s size, location and market make it a natural partner for this approach.
Turki, however, stressed that Emirati investments, despite their scale, proceed in accordance with Egyptian terms and regulations, and that any agreements are based on mutual benefit without compromising sovereignty or national interests.
The Somalia File
The visit was preceded by Somalia’s announcement in January that it was terminating all agreements with the UAE in protest of Abu Dhabi’s policy toward Somaliland, a move Mogadishu said was aimed at “defending the country’s unity and territorial integrity.”
The Somali decision included agreements related to the ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo.
Separately, Algeria recently announced the cancellation of an air services agreement signed with Abu Dhabi, in accordance with established diplomatic procedures.
Hoda Rizk, a professor of political science, said the Somalia file represents a core point of divergence between Cairo and Abu Dhabi. Egypt, she said, views Somalia as a strategic depth directly tied to its national security, particularly amid its dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The UAE, by contrast, maintains investment and political relations with Ethiopia and with the Somaliland region.
Rizk said any arrangements that grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea constitute a “red line” for Cairo, suggesting that the issue was likely among the most prominent topics discussed during the meeting.
Al-Maamari, for his part, said differing assessments of certain files are natural in international relations, and suggested that the Egyptian-Emirati summit likely included “frank discussions on these issues aimed at aligning the rhythm between the two visions.”
Developments in Sudan
Reuters reported two days ago that Ethiopia is hosting a secret camp to train thousands of fighters for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, citing eight sources, including a senior Ethiopian government official. According to the report, the UAE funded the construction of the camp and provided military trainers and logistical support, claims that were also referenced in an internal Ethiopian security memo and a diplomatic cable Reuters said it had reviewed.
Commenting on the report, Turki said it is not possible to definitively verify the accuracy of Reuters’ account, warning that inaccurate information could be exploited to fuel disputes between states.
Cairo provides strong political support to the Sudanese army in its nearly three-year conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
In December, the Egyptian presidency warned that Egypt’s national security is directly linked to Sudan’s security, and said Cairo would not allow “red lines” to be crossed. These red lines, it said, include preserving Sudan’s territorial unity and rejecting any “parallel entities” that threaten it.
Turki said Egypt is seeking to convey a message advocating a vision centered on strengthening security and stability in conflict zones such as Libya, Sudan and Somalia, while stressing the need to cease engagement with groups or entities below the level of the state, in order to safeguard national unity and sovereignty.
At a minimum, observers say, the visit and its outcomes appear to reflect an effort to reaffirm the nature of the bilateral relationship, while attempting to prevent divergences in the two countries’ positions on certain regional issues from widening further.
