From “Innovative Diplomacy” to “Innovation Diplomacy”: The Case of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

As one of the prominent actors in the Arabian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has moved away from an approximately decade-long military interventionism toward an innovation-based diplomatic offensive. It not only seeks to promote itself as a constructive and responsible actor in the regional and global arena but also to achieve sectorial diversity to prepare for the post-carbon era. Focusing on design and production based on cutting-edge technologies, the UAE offers generous incentives to attract foreign human capital and thus furnish the Emirati citizens with advanced knowledge and expertise. In this vein, Abu Dhabi promotes the country’s historical and cultural landmarks along with its ambition and readiness for innovation via tech-based endeavors. This article explores how the UAE, in its pursuit of economic security, pursues a multidimensional \"innovation diplomacy\" supported by innovative approaches to classical diplomacy. Depicting how advanced technologies are the focus of its publicity and the development of foreign relations, the UAE demonstrates how \"innovative diplomacy\" serves a commercial “innovation diplomacy” for future prosperity at the hands of enlightened locals.