THE LEADER AND HIS FRAGILE STATE TURNED STRONG: THE 1973 YOM KIPPUR WAR AS A TURNING POINT IN THE UAE’S HISTORY

Abstract

During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Arab members of the OPEC imposed an oil embargo against the US in retaliation for its military support to Israel. Most analysts and historians examine the collective Arab approach to the conflict. They do not pay close attention to the individual state’s interests and motives. Studying Abu Dhabi’s 1973 decisions can generate new insights into why and how small states in the Persian Gulf such as the UAE undertook those pursuits. This study argues that the UAE government joined with the other Arab states to impose the oil embargo on the West in 1973 primarily for domestic political reasons. The 1973 Yom Kippur War, presented the UAE leaders with an opportunity to overcome political challenges. Among UAE officials who played their part in 1973, Zayed particularly stood out as the UAE leader who won the hearts and minds of his countrymen as well as the other Arab governments. He won for the UAE a newfound respect among peoples in the Arab world. Zayed’s actions and leadership plus those of his ministers helped turn the fragile federation that he presided over strong.