ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates / AsiaWire.IO / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, who is visiting the UAE. The two discussed regional developments and the challenges facing the Arab world, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Thursday. They stressed the need to step up efforts and strengthen coordination to advance joint Arab action. Both sides also highlighted the importance of reinforcing regional security and stability.
Sheikh Mohamed and Fahmy underscored the need to respond to rapidly changing circumstances in the region. They agreed that ongoing coordination among Arab states is essential to meet these challenges. The meeting reflected the close ties between the UAE and the Cairo-based organization. It came a little over four months after Fahmy took office as Secretary-General of the League.
The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the UAE’s key role, under Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership, in supporting efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He said these efforts are in line with the aspirations of the region’s countries for a more secure and stable future. The UAE has worked closely with Arab partners on regional issues, including during talks between the UAE and Egyptian leaders in Abu Dhabi.
Senior Sheikhs attend meeting
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, also attended. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, was present as well.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, also joined the talks, along with a number of Sheikhs and officials. The visit comes as Arab states seek closer coordination in response to regional challenges. Gulf states have also been working with partners abroad, with the Gulf Cooperation Council calling for joint Gulf-EU action to protect global supply chains.
Fahmy took office in July
Fahmy, an Egyptian diplomat, took office as Secretary-General of the Arab League on July 1, 2026, succeeding Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Arab foreign ministers approved his appointment for a five-year term at a meeting in Amman in June. He is the ninth Secretary-General since the League was founded in 1945. Fahmy previously served as Egypt’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2014 and as its ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2008. He was also the founding dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo.
The League of Arab States groups 22 members and is headquartered in Cairo. It works to strengthen cooperation among Arab countries on political, economic and security matters. The UAE has been a member since 1971, the year the federation was founded. Both sides affirmed their commitment to continued coordination to support security and stability across the region.