Abu Dhabi — In a keynote address at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, called for a renewed commitment to state sovereignty and regional stability, urging Arab nations to confront the growing threat posed by non-state actors and armed militias.

Speaking before a gathering of diplomats, policy experts, and regional leaders, Dr. Gargash stressed that "the era of fragmented authority must end", advocating for collective Arab action to reinforce national institutions and uphold international norms. He warned that the proliferation of militias undermines governance, fuels conflict, and obstructs efforts toward peace and development.

“We must prioritize the empowerment of legitimate state structures and reject the normalization of militia influence,” Gargash stated, adding that multilateral cooperation is essential to address these challenges effectively.

The UAE’s foreign policy, he noted, is grounded in realism, de-escalation, and economic pluralism, aiming to improve the lives of ordinary citizens through stability and inclusive growth. Gargash also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to comprehensive economic partnerships as a model for regional integration and resilience.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions in several parts of the Middle East, where militia groups continue to exert influence over political and security dynamics. Gargash’s call reflects the UAE’s broader diplomatic stance, which favors state-centric solutions and institutional legitimacy over fragmented power structures.

The Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, now in its 11th year, serves as a platform for discussing pressing geopolitical issues and shaping policy responses to emerging threats. Dr. Gargash’s speech was widely seen as a reaffirmation of the UAE’s leadership role in promoting regional order and responsible governance.