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WHEN A FRIEND BECOMES AN ENEMY
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Al Ali, Ahmed
Abstract
The development of the United Arab Emirates previous to the discovery of oil was
almost non-existent, with internecine fighting between tribes and a disinterested, almost
negligent attitude by the British, whereas Iran by contrast was flourishing economically and
socially. That there had been a long-standing Iranian trading presence in the “Trucial States”
was of significant benefit to both parties, with “naturalisation” of Iranians a common
practice. Oil exploitation, the reign of Sheikh Zayed al Nahyan and the Union of the 7
Emirates steered the UAE over 40 years to a state of prosperity that is almost unequalled. Iran
by contrast fell victim to the despotic rule of the Shah, suffered dramatic changes under the
Islamic Revolution, War with Iraq and the concomitant repressive regimes that, along with
subsequent antagonistic internal and foreign policy objectives, have left the country
internationally vilified and economically isolated. The global Iranian diaspora has therefore
seen the socio-economic collapse of a once thriving nation and, particularly within the UAE
have been forced to accept a precarious state of “residence without nationality” and even
though not directly involved become a “diaspora under conflict” and have been forced to
remain isolated or “trapped” away from the “homeland” for fear of politico-religious reprisals
or more simply, a lack of livelihood. The investigation within this paper looks at the
meanings of diaspora and community from the perspective of Iranians living and working in
the UAE, their current fears, hopes and aspirations for themselves and for Iran as a whole.
almost non-existent, with internecine fighting between tribes and a disinterested, almost
negligent attitude by the British, whereas Iran by contrast was flourishing economically and
socially. That there had been a long-standing Iranian trading presence in the “Trucial States”
was of significant benefit to both parties, with “naturalisation” of Iranians a common
practice. Oil exploitation, the reign of Sheikh Zayed al Nahyan and the Union of the 7
Emirates steered the UAE over 40 years to a state of prosperity that is almost unequalled. Iran
by contrast fell victim to the despotic rule of the Shah, suffered dramatic changes under the
Islamic Revolution, War with Iraq and the concomitant repressive regimes that, along with
subsequent antagonistic internal and foreign policy objectives, have left the country
internationally vilified and economically isolated. The global Iranian diaspora has therefore
seen the socio-economic collapse of a once thriving nation and, particularly within the UAE
have been forced to accept a precarious state of “residence without nationality” and even
though not directly involved become a “diaspora under conflict” and have been forced to
remain isolated or “trapped” away from the “homeland” for fear of politico-religious reprisals
or more simply, a lack of livelihood. The investigation within this paper looks at the
meanings of diaspora and community from the perspective of Iranians living and working in
the UAE, their current fears, hopes and aspirations for themselves and for Iran as a whole.
