UAE-Afghan ties.
The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) policy in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 has emphasised soft power, focusing strongly on the provision of security and humanitarian support. The UAE maintained ground troops in Afghanistan for eleven years until 2014 and has been actively involved in development projects in the education, healthcare and infrastructure sectors. Furthermore, the UAE has hosted regional and international investor conferences to build capacity and boost investment in Afghanistan, and may also have a role to play in trust-building as the momentum builds for Afghan peace talks.
The Taliban is unlikely to target UAE assets so long as discreet diplomatic links are maintained.
The rise of Islamic State group poses the greatest threat to UAE investment in the country.
Improving security conditions would allow UAE-based construction and energy companies to increase investment in Afghanistan.
