Cairo Hopes UAE Can Play ‘Effective’ Role in GERD Crisis

A view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). (Reuters)
A view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). (Reuters)
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Cairo Hopes UAE Can Play ‘Effective’ Role in GERD Crisis

A view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). (Reuters)
A view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). (Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates is seeking to play an “effective” role to advance negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

It is also aiming to resolve the 11-year conflict by relying on its political rapprochement with parties to the case, namely Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.

An informed source said the UAE has recently presented itself as an indirect mediator, hoping to achieve a breakthrough by resuming the frozen negotiations and signing an agreement that safeguards the three countries’ interests.

The Gulf country’s permanent mission to the UN underscored on Wednesday the African Union’s essential role, welcomed the commitment of the three countries to the AU-led negotiations, and encouraged them to continue negotiating in “good faith.”

Last week, Cairo turned to the Security Council once again to protest what it called “unilateral measures” taken by Addis Ababa, the last of which was its third filling of the dam reservoir without reaching an agreement with Cairo and Khartoum.

The UAE statement did not mention Addis Ababa’s latest action, which raised questions.

Former Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nasr Eldin Allam said the statement put Cairo and Khartoum on one side and Addis Ababa on another.

“The statement claims that the three countries want to reach an agreement in this regard despite knowing that Ethiopia has been obstructing efforts to reach a deal that comes in line with the international law.”

The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abu Dhabi is not required to side by Egypt and Sudan, instead, its neutral position may prompt Addis Ababa to accept its proposals for a solution as an unbiased mediator.

It cited the United States’ failed mediation under then-President Donald Trump, whom Ethiopia accused of being biased to Egypt.

Cairo and Khartoum have repeatedly called for reaching a legally binding agreement to fill and operate the dam without harming their water interests.

They fear the potential negative impact of GERD on the flow of their annual share of the Nile’s 55.5 billion cubic meters of water, in addition to other environmental and economic consequences.

The UAE’s indirect mediation is based on the Declaration of Principles Agreement, which was signed by the three parties to the conflict in Khartoum in 2015, and which the mission considers “a basic reference for negotiations.”

The UAE supports the objectives of the parties to agree and resolve their differences to maximize the benefits to them and their peoples, the statement read.

The source stressed that the UAE needs greater Arab support from countries that have regional influence, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as international support, to succeed in this regard.

The last round of talks between the three countries in Kinshasa ended in early April 2021 with no progress made.

Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mahran, a specialist in public international law, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Egypt’s demands are legitimate and legal.

“It only wants to end Ethiopia’s intransigence and resolve the dispute by signing a binding legal agreement on dates to fill and operate the dam according to international law.”

Mahran stressed that Cairo knew that the dam had serious technical defects and cracks based on a report by the International Committee that was established in 2013, yet it agreed to advance the process under a legally binding agreement.

However, he stressed that Ethiopia has not yet provided safety studies, warning that the dam may collapse and cause a disaster for Egypt and Sudan.

Mahran stressed that the water security of Egypt and the region are indivisible.

He urged Abu Dhabi to pressure Addis Ababa to resume negotiations and take into consideration the interests of the two downstream countries.



Saudi Arabia Urges Need to End Suffering in Gaza

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah delivers his remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. (SPA)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah delivers his remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Urges Need to End Suffering in Gaza

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah delivers his remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. (SPA)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah delivers his remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia called on Monday for an end to the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza in wake of Israel’s war on the enclave.

On behalf of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated in the first session of the second day of the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro.

Prince Faisal stressed that the grave crises around the world serve as a reminder of shared responsibilities and the urgent need to avoid escalation to maintain security and prevent the expansion of conflicts.

On Gaza, he condemned the Israeli attacks on health infrastructure and the targeting of civilians, describing them as “blatant violations of international humanitarian law and a direct challenge to the rules-based international order”.

Prince Faisal called on the international community “to shoulder its responsibilities in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians”.

“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza cannot be overlooked,” he said, urging “serious international efforts to end the crisis and achieve a lasting, comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with international law.”

The Kingdom is attending the summit as an invited country to join the BRICS group. The session was titled: Environment, United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), and Global Health.

Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of boosting cooperation in the fields of climate and health, reiterating the Kingdom’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. He called for a practical and balanced approach that considers the diverse circumstances of different countries.

He further noted that the Kingdom, as one of the countries facing water scarcity, has developed advanced methods and technologies to manage environmental and water resource challenges. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's leadership in establishing the Global Water Organization, which aims to ensure equitable access to this vital resource.

On the health sector, Prince Faisal stated that Saudi Vision 2030 includes comprehensive reforms focused on prevention and integrated care. He also reviewed the Kingdom’s expertise in managing large gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah and in developing planning and early warning systems, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for health emergency preparedness and response in accordance with international standards.