The visits come as regional tensions escalate, with Egypt intensifying diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis and stressing that Gulf security is integral to its own national security.
In Abu Dhabi, President El-Sisi was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the two leaders holding closed-door talks focused on regional developments and bilateral ties.
El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s full support for the UAE and its leadership, backing measures taken to safeguard the country’s security and stability and reiterating Cairo’s rejection of Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and other Arab states.
He also outlined Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, noting that Cairo had sent a clear message to Iran that Gulf states are not part of the ongoing conflict and that attacks against them are unacceptable.
“Egypt continues to urge all parties to return to negotiations as the only way to achieve political solutions that protect sovereignty and regional stability,” the presidency quoted El-Sisi as saying.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the visit, describing it as a reflection of strong bilateral ties, and praised Egypt’s role in supporting regional stability. Both leaders also discussed ways to deepen cooperation and exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings.
President El-Sisi then travelled to Doha, where he was received by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The meeting included expanded talks with both delegations.
During the meeting, El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s full support for Qatar and Gulf states against attacks on their territories, affirming Cairo’s backing for measures taken by Doha to defend its sovereignty.
He reviewed Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic contacts, including with Iran, aimed at reducing tensions and prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions.
Sheikh Tamim expressed appreciation for El-Sisi’s visit and Egypt’s continued engagement since the start of the crisis, praising Cairo’s consistent support for Gulf stability.
The Qatari emir also highlighted strong bilateral relations and affirmed Doha’s commitment to continued coordination with Egypt to restore regional stability.
El-Sisi stressed that Gulf security is inseparable from Egypt’s national security, calling for enhanced cooperation and the activation of joint Arab security mechanisms to address regional challenges.
The two sides agreed to intensify consultations to help de-escalate tensions and restore stability, the presidency said.
President El-Sisi returned to Egypt later on Thursday after the two visits.
El-Sisi’s visits to the UAE and Qatar come amid an intensive Egyptian diplomatic push over the past several days to contain regional escalation and reinforce “collective Arab security.”
Moreover, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had been on a multi-stop Gulf tour under directives from El-Sisi, visiting Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to convey messages of solidarity, coordinate positions with Gulf leadership, and urge the activation of practical mechanisms for joint Arab security.
President El-Sisi also held a series of high-level phone calls with Gulf and Arab leaders in recent days. He spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, reaffirming support for their countries and condemning attacks on their territories.
The Egyptian president also received a call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, with discussions focusing on broader regional developments and the need to prevent further escalation.
Egyptian officials say these contacts are part of a coordinated diplomatic approach combining shuttle diplomacy, direct leader engagement, and messages to regional actors, including Iran, aimed at containing the crisis and encouraging all sides to return to negotiations.
Cairo has consistently based its position on three principles: rejecting attacks on Arab states, preventing the conflict from spreading, and maintaining regional stability through political and diplomatic measures rather than military action.
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