Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a new milestone in the deepening diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, a plan to construct a new UAE embassy in the coastal city of Herzliya has received official approval. According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Committee gave the green light on Monday to the proposed project, which will see the embassy rise in the affluent neighborhood of Herzliya Pituach.
The planned location, near the Herzliya City Hall and just 10 kilometers north of Tel Aviv, was chosen after a complex and confidential selection process that reportedly involved multiple government bodies. While details about the specific challenges of the negotiations were not disclosed, Israel’s Land Authority stated that the process was initiated at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The transaction for the land is estimated to be worth “tens of millions of shekels,” with sources suggesting the cost could reach up to $24 million, although the exact figure remains undisclosed.
Herzliya Pituach, known for its luxury residences, high-end businesses, and beachfront properties, is also home to many foreign diplomatic missions and international companies. The area serves as a significant hub for Israel’s tech and investment sectors, making it a strategically favorable location for the UAE’s expanding diplomatic presence.
Herzliya Mayor Yael German welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive implications for bilateral cooperation. According to The Jerusalem Post, UAE Ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja consulted with local authorities, including the mayor himself, before finalizing the site. German described the decision as a meaningful step in strengthening ties between the two countries and expressed optimism about future collaboration in economic, technological, and cultural fields.
The establishment of the embassy in such a prominent area underscores the UAE’s long-term commitment to its relationship with Israel, which formally began following the Abraham Accords in 2020. The new embassy will replace the UAE’s current temporary diplomatic mission and serve as a permanent base for its expanding diplomatic and economic activities in the region.
This development marks another significant chapter in the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states, with the UAE continuing to lead regional efforts in forging new alliances and partnerships across the Middle East.
