Morocco’s foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is shaped through historical ties, strategic interests, and economic imperatives. These ties are rooted in shared monarchical governance, cultural affinities, and mutual security concerns. The Gulf’s strategic importance to Morocco lies in its economic weight and geopolitical influence. The GCC countries, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, are major oil and gas producers, controlling approximately 20 % of the world’s oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy markets. Morocco, a net energy importer, benefits from Gulf investments and aid, which bolster its economic diversification and infrastructure development. The UAE, in particular, has emerged as a pivotal partner, with significant foreign direct investment (FDI) in Morocco’s real estate, tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. In 2024, the UAE solidified its position as a leading investor in Morocco, with FDI stock reaching approximately 30 billion US Dollars, reflecting a significant increase from 14 billion US Dollars in 2021. A pivotal moment in this relationship was King Mohammed VI’s official visit to the UAE in December 2023, at the invitation of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Held at the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, the visit resulted in the signing of a joint declaration titled “Towards an Innovative, Renewed, and Consolidated Partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the UAE”, accompanied by several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU’s).
Recent geopolitical shifts, such as the Abraham Accords in 2020, have promoted greater convergence between Morocco and the UAE. Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel, brokered by the United States and resulting in its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, follows the UAE’s diplomatic strategy, reinforcing a shared alignment with US interests and a pragmatic approach to regional dynamics. The broader Middle Eastern context, marked by competition between regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey, and global powers like the US and China, is capital in Morocco’s strategy. The UAE’s shift towards diplomacy and soft power since 2021, moving away from military interventions, aligns with Morocco’s preference for stability and economic partnerships.