UAE Lobbying — The Emirati Playbook in Washington
For years, Gulf lobbies were overshadowed in Washington’s corridors of power. But the rise of the UAE’s sophisticated lobbying machine — orchestrated under Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba — has fundamentally altered this landscape.
Over $64M spent, 10,000+ political activities
Between 2020 and 2021 alone, UAE-backed lobbying firms logged over 10,000 political activities aimed at influencing lawmakers and shaping narratives in U.S. media. These activities included direct meetings with members of Congress, outreach to major media outlets, and efforts to sway U.S. foreign policy.
Contributions and contacts — a pattern of influence
According to the Quincy Institute, UAE lobbyists donated more than $500,000 to members of Congress they contacted on Emirati-related matters — often just days apart, suggesting a coordinated campaign to secure favorable policies.
A lobbying machine built after failure
This robust machine emerged after a failure: In 2006, Dubai-based DP World’s attempted acquisition of six major U.S. ports was blocked by Congress amid national security concerns. The backlash taught the UAE an important lesson about influence in Washington — and they adapted.
The rise of Yousef Al-Otaiba
Appointed in 2008, Al-Otaiba revolutionized the UAE’s approach. He hired high-powered lobbying firms like The Harbour Group and Akin Gump, building relationships not just in Congress but across think tanks, media, and pro-Israel organizations.
He also cultivated ties with the US-UAE Business Council, chaired by former Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency official Danny Sebright, embedding UAE narratives deeply into Washington’s policymaking ecosystem.
A unique method: data-driven influence
Unlike other Gulf states that relied mainly on financial clout, the UAE’s lobby became known for its research-driven approach: providing U.S. politicians with detailed reports emphasizing mutual economic and security interests, allowing Emirati lobbyists to present themselves as indispensable partners.
Shaping U.S. policy
Key policy areas where Emirati lobbying had outsized impact include:
- S. weapons sales to Abu Dhabi
- S. support for the Abraham Accords
- Military assistance and cover for UAE’s intervention in Yemen
- Brand management efforts like Expo 2020 Dubai
Washington Post revelations
Recent reporting from the Washington Post revealed U.S. intelligence officials’ concerns that the UAE exploited weaknesses in U.S. governance to manipulate American foreign policy, taking advantage of lax disclosure rules and powerful lobbying firms.
The new model of foreign influence
The UAE’s lobbying operation has emerged as a model for how a wealthy foreign government can influence U.S. policy by combining hard cash with strategic data, relationship-building, and media influence.
In the words of Ben Freeman from the Quincy Institute: “The UAE’s lobby is among the most sophisticated — and least understood — in Washington.”
Conclusion
This is not just another foreign lobbying campaign: It’s a deliberate, multi-faceted strategy to embed UAE interests into the heart of U.S. policymaking. As global attention shifts to Abu Dhabi’s rising influence, the UAE’s lobbying playbook offers a clear lesson: Money, message control, and meticulous planning can turn even a small Gulf monarchy into a heavyweight on the world’s most powerful political stage.
