UAE, UK ministers discuss strategic ties and regional developments

The UAE and the UK have held high-level talks focusing on regional security and recent Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites in the Emirates.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during an official visit to London.

The talks focused on regional developments and the impact of recent Iranian missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities in the UAE.

The two sides discussed the wider implications for regional stability, international shipping routes and global energy markets, stressing the need for stronger international coordination to protect vital maritime trade corridors.

The meeting also addressed a drone strike that caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.

Officials confirmed there were no injuries and no impact on radiation safety levels.

The UK Foreign Secretary expressed solidarity with the UAE and condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and a threat to regional security.

Sheikh Abdullah thanked the UK for its support and highlighted the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation across several sectors and strengthening joint efforts to promote security and stability in the region.

Abdullah bin Zayed met with @YvetteCooperMP and discussed 🇦🇪-🇬🇧 strategic relations, as well as the latest regional developments, the repercussions of the unprovoked Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the UAE, and the importance of strengthening international cooperation to… pic.twitter.com/g6joJK5DTg

— OFM (@OFMUAE) May 18, 2026