The United Arab Emirates' ambassador to the United States has restated his country's intention to follow through on a $1.4 trillion investment framework with the US, aiming to calm concerns that the ongoing war involving Iran could derail the Gulf state's financial commitments.
In a letter dated Tuesday to the US-UAE Business Council, Yousef Al Otaiba said the investment pledges announced last year would proceed without disruption. He added that plans to accelerate deployment and funding would remain on schedule.
The reassurance arrives amid broader questions about whether Gulf countries might curtail foreign investment as energy output declines and war-related costs weigh on public finances. The regional conflict has prompted scrutiny of how governments will prioritize spending and investment as defensive and reconstruction needs rise.
Al Otaiba addressed companies active in the UAE directly, asserting that infrastructure and public finances are robust. He reported that Iran had launched nearly 2,000 missiles and drones at the country and that more than 93% of those incoming weapons were intercepted. He also noted that ports and airports had been able to reopen quickly after the strikes.
The ambassador emphasized preparatory measures taken over years: the UAE has built sovereign wealth reserves of more than $2 trillion, strengthened supply chains and invested substantially in missile defense systems and resilient infrastructure.
Statements from senior UAE officials earlier in the week echoed that guarded posture. Anwar Gargash, a top adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, said Iran miscalculated by targeting Gulf countries, and he argued the attacks would push the region closer to the US. Minister of State Reem Al-Hashimy described Tehran's attacks as unhinged.
Al Otaiba's correspondence comes after the start of a US-Israeli war on Iran last month, which led to retaliatory strikes by Iran on countries across the region. The UAE has experienced the heaviest retaliation, with attacks aimed at its energy infrastructure and airports.
While the ambassador's letter is framed to reassure investors and operating companies, the message also underscores the UAE's focus on preserving investment commitments alongside defense readiness and financial buffers.