Did Netanyahu secretly visit the UAE? Abu Dhabi shuts down Israeli claim

A diplomatic disagreement surfaced between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he had made a secret visit to the Gulf nation during the ongoing tensions linked to Iran.

The statement from Netanyahu's office was shared on X on Thursday and described the visit as a significant diplomatic development between the two countries.

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Israeli PM's office claims 'historic breakthrough'

"In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed," said the Israeli Prime Minister's office on X.

A second post added that "this visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE".

The claim came at a time of heightened regional strain following months of tensions involving Iran and Israel. The conflict has pushed countries in the region to strengthen strategic partnerships and diplomatic engagement.

UAE issues strong denial

The UAE responded within hours with a firm rejection of the Israeli statement.

In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country "denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or receiving any Israeli military delegation in the country".

The Ministry also underlined that ties between the UAE and Israel remain transparent and publicly acknowledged under the Abraham Accords framework.

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It stated that its relations with Israel "are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements".

The UAE further added that "any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE".

Call for responsible reporting

Abu Dhabi also urged caution in the circulation of reports related to the issue.

The ministry called on media organisations "to exercise accuracy and professionalism, and to refrain from circulating unverified information or promoting misleading political narratives".

Israeli officials had not responded publicly to the UAE's denial at the time of reporting.