The United Arab Emirates detailed its active participation in United Nations peacekeeping during an address at the General Assembly, according to the Emirates News Agency. Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar emphasised the country’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation as core elements of its foreign policy. Al Marar pointed to the UAE’s involvement in supporting peace initiatives across multiple regions as evidence of its dedication to global security. The statement aligned with the assembly’s focus on peace, security and justice for the 81st session.
Emirates News Agency reporting showed that the UAE has backed sincere peace efforts in locations including Yemen, Libya, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Haiti. The country hosted the 2026 United Nations Peace Operations Leadership Workshop to strengthen capabilities of police and military personnel in such missions. According to the UAE’s permanent mission to the United Nations, the event improved coordination, planning and emergency preparedness among participants. The workshop reflected ongoing work to enhance the performance of international peacekeeping components.
United Nations data places the approved peacekeeping budget for the 2025-2026 period at $5.38 billion, covering 12 missions and related logistics centres. This figure represents a modest reduction from the previous year’s allocation amid liquidity concerns flagged by UN officials. The UAE has positioned its contributions within this framework, providing both operational support and advocacy for preventive diplomacy before crises intensify. Al Marar told the assembly that early mediation tools should take precedence in the work of future UN leadership.
The UAE has conducted 26 mediation operations that enabled the exchange of nearly 8,000 captives between Ukraine and Russia, a fact highlighted in the General Assembly statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency. These efforts complement traditional peacekeeping by facilitating returns to families and reducing tensions in active conflicts. The minister described such mediation as consistent with respect for sovereignty and international law. UAE support extends to humanitarian programs that address immediate needs in war-affected areas.
A review of UN peacekeeping trends indicates that uniformed personnel deployed across operations stood at approximately 78,000 at the end of 2025, the lowest level in at least 25 years. Against this backdrop, the UAE has maintained its focus on capacity building and partnerships that bolster mission effectiveness in challenging environments. Al Marar noted the importance of linking peace efforts with sustainable development and governance improvements. The address called for stronger international collaboration to tackle root causes of instability.
The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE continues to advocate for women’s participation in peace processes and decision-making at all levels. This priority forms part of a broader vision that integrates security with prosperity and opportunity across regions. Al Marar expressed hope that upcoming UN leadership would activate prevention mechanisms more proactively. The statement closed by reaffirming the UAE’s readiness to support transformative transitions in countries moving toward stability.
