The growing Arab role in the international system: Between effective mediation and geopolitical rebalancing
Mohamed Nabil El-Gharib Al-Bandari
April 15, 2025
Amid the profound geopolitical shifts unfolding worldwide, Arab states have found themselves presented with a historic opportunity to enhance their presence on the global stage. This has been achieved by advancing political initiatives that reflect their vision for the future of the emerging international order.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, Arab countries have voiced growing concerns over the negative repercussions of the conflict, particularly regarding regional and global food security. In response, several states have intensified their diplomatic efforts—whether through individual initiatives or collective frameworks such as the Arab League—aiming to mediate and seek diplomatic solutions to end the war.
Simultaneously, the Middle East has witnessed major developments that have reshaped regional alliances and conflicts. Key events include the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, the decline of Hezbollah’s influence following Israeli strikes on its strongholds in Lebanon, and, more recently, the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024. These transformations have had a direct impact on security and stability in the region. Beyond merely altering the positioning of international actors, these shifts have also redefined the foreign policy priorities of Arab states, which are now more aware of the necessity of active engagement in shaping regional and global balances to safeguard their interests and bolster their standing in the international arena.
Against this backdrop, this analysis highlights the key aspects of the growing Arab diplomatic role in international politics, whether through mediation efforts or by strengthening their presence in regional and global affairs.
Effective regional and international mediation
The Arab League has repeatedly expressed its commitment to a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. In this context, during the 157th session of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers in March 2022, Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasized that the Arab position is rooted in prioritizing national and regional interests. He underscored the importance of finding a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine—one that halts the bloodshed, safeguards rights, and addresses concerns that can be settled through dialogue and compromise.
However, the Arab role was not limited to merely declaring neutrality; it also extended to active diplomatic efforts. This was evident in the formation of the Arab Contact Group by the Arab League, comprising seven member states: Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sudan. This group undertook diplomatic visits to both Russia and Poland in an attempt to promote de-escalation efforts and seek political solutions to the crisis in Ukraine.
Although these efforts have yet to yield tangible results, they reflect a growing Arab ambition to play a more influential role on the international stage. Through the Arab League, Arab states have demonstrated their willingness to engage in global affairs by offering diplomatic approaches to major international crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine war. This signifies a broader shift toward strengthening Arab presence in global political dynamics.
Gulf mediation in the Russia-Ukraine war
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as key mediators in diplomatic efforts to alleviate the suffering of prisoners of war in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Their role has been particularly significant in facilitating prisoner exchange deals between the two warring sides. In September 2022, both countries successfully mediated a prisoner swap that included detainees from Morocco, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Croatia, earning widespread international recognition.
The UAE has since continued its mediation efforts. On August 24, 2024, it facilitated the exchange of 230 prisoners—equally divided between Russia and Ukraine—bringing the total number of prisoners exchanged through Emirati mediation to 1,788. Furthering this approach, on March 19, 2025, the UAE successfully mediated another exchange involving 350 prisoners from both sides, raising the total number of released prisoners to 3,233. This marked the eighth time the UAE had brokered such an exchange since the onset of the war.
Saudi Arabia has also played a significant diplomatic role, hosting high-level talks between U.S. and Russian officials on February 17, 2025. This coincided with a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the UAE on the same day—both events highlighting the growing Gulf influence in managing major global crises. These developments underscore Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s aspirations to establish themselves as pivotal mediators capable of bridging gaps between global powers, particularly amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.
Further solidifying this role, Saudi Arabia hosted negotiations in Riyadh on Monday, March 24, 2025, between representatives from the U.S. and Russia to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. This Saudi-brokered dialogue is widely expected to pave the way for a summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, reflecting both nations’ recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strategic role in recalibrating international balances.
The proactive diplomacy of Saudi Arabia and the UAE—whether through prisoner exchange mediation or hosting critical international summits—demonstrates their increasing influence in global mediation efforts. Their involvement in the Ukraine crisis and U.S.-Russia tensions showcases their ambition to solidify their positions as influential regional powers contributing to global stability. These efforts further enhance their geopolitical standing as trusted intermediaries in conflict resolution.
UAE and Qatari mediation between Washington and Tehran
The UAE has positioned itself as an active and effective player in regional and international diplomacy, continuously adapting its foreign policy strategy to prioritize economic interests and foster stability and prosperity. Through this approach, the UAE has successfully distanced itself from regional tensions while creating diplomatic pathways to de-escalation. This strategic maneuvering has enhanced the UAE’s credibility and ability to forge alliances within the evolving global order.
In this context, on March 12, 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received a message from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered to Tehran by a senior Emirati diplomat, according to Iranian media reports. The Fars News Agency stated that Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, personally handed Trump’s message to Iran.
Meanwhile, Qatar has also played a significant mediation role, brokering a prisoner exchange agreement between the U.S. and Iran in August 2023. The deal involved the release of five Iranians detained in the U.S. and the unfreezing of USD 6 billion in Iranian assets. These funds, previously held in South Korea, were transferred to Qatari banks, while Iran, in turn, released five American prisoners who were flown to Doha before heading to the U.S.
The increasing diplomatic engagement of Arab—particularly Gulf—states in international politics reflects a qualitative shift in their global role. These countries are no longer mere observers but are actively shaping the course of international conflicts and negotiations. Whether through mediating global disputes, maintaining balanced and neutral positions on critical issues, or proposing alternative diplomatic initiatives, Gulf states are demonstrating a growing capability to protect Arab interests and contribute to regional and global stability. Their evolving diplomatic strategy underscores a broader ambition to establish themselves as credible and effective intermediaries in the resolution of global conflicts.
Arab balance in hot-button issues
On February 5, 2025, Trump proposed that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip and transform it into a luxury resort, or the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan also involved the resettlement of Palestinian residents in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, urging both nations to absorb large numbers of Palestinian refugees.
Trump’s proposal diverged sharply from the longstanding U.S. bipartisan commitment to a two-state solution, a policy even his first administration had upheld. Furthermore, he expressed willingness to deploy American forces to Gaza to oversee its reconstruction. However, the following day, his administration walked back any commitments to military involvement or financial aid for reconstruction, even as Trump persisted in advocating for U.S. “ownership” of the project.
The proposal was met with widespread rejection from Arab states, the United Nations, and the European Union, all of whom condemned it as a violation of international law and an attempt at the forced displacement of Palestinians. Critics viewed it as aligning with the Israeli far-right agenda, which seeks to dismantle the possibility of a Palestinian state.
In response, an emergency Arab summit was convened in Cairo on March 5, 2025. The summit’s final communique reaffirmed Arab states’ commitment to the Egyptian initiative, which presented an alternative framework to Trump’s proposal. The Egyptian plan underscored the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, reaffirmed Palestinians’ rights—including the right of return—and categorically rejected any forced displacement. Furthermore, Arab states endorsed Egypt’s comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, backed by regional and international partners, alongside a political process aimed at securing a permanent resolution to the conflict.
The Egyptian initiative, enjoying broad Arab support, presented a holistic and independent vision that emphasized Palestinian rights, rejected forced displacement, and sought Gaza’s reconstruction with international backing. This approach signaled the Arab world’s determination to assert its own solutions, countering external proposals that undermine Palestinian sovereignty.
Qatar played a pivotal role in brokering a temporary humanitarian truce in Gaza in November 2023, despite its eventual collapse. Qatari and Egyptian-led negotiations resulted in a seven-day ceasefire, facilitating a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. The truce also allowed the entry of humanitarian aid convoys into Gaza, following a 46-day blockade. This agreement temporarily halted military operations across the enclave.
Additionally, Qatar, in collaboration with France, brokered a separate deal between Hamas and Israel. This agreement facilitated the delivery of medicines and humanitarian aid to Gaza’s most devastated areas, in exchange for medical supplies reaching Israeli detainees held by Hamas.
The Arab world’s handling of the Gaza crisis reflects a deliberate effort to maintain strategic balance amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The strong rejection of Trump’s plan—alongside the proactive endorsement of Egypt’s initiative—demonstrates the region’s ability to shape an independent and unified response to international proposals that disregard Palestinian rights. Meanwhile, the Arab states, particularly Qatar and Egypt, have leveraged their diplomatic influence to mediate humanitarian arrangements, reinforcing their roles as key regional actors in crisis management.
Conclusion
Recent Arab diplomatic initiatives reflect a strategic ambition to secure a meaningful role in shaping the evolving global order in a manner that serves Arab interests while promoting peace, security, and stability. Whether through mediation in the Russia-Ukraine war, facilitating dialogue between Iran and Western powers, or proposing alternative conflict-resolution strategies—such as Egypt’s reconstruction initiative for Gaza—Arab states have increasingly positioned themselves as influential diplomatic players. This growing role grants them enhanced leverage in international affairs, which could translate into greater political influence within global institutions.
Ultimately, this rising role underscores that Arab states are no longer mere bystanders in global affairs but have emerged as active players shaping international developments through effective diplomacy and strategic soft power. Moving forward, the sustainability of their influence will hinge on their ability to enhance collective coordination and leverage their economic and political assets to achieve lasting impact—thereby cementing their status as indispensable partners in redefining regional and global power dynamics
Featured image: Wikipedia/Creative Commons/Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
