«Soft Power in the Foreign Policy of the UAE: Challenges and Prospects»
Students Name: Lavreniuk Viktoriia
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: International Relations
Institute: Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: part
Academic Year: 2025-2026 н.р.
Language of Defence: англійська
Abstract: The UAE has developed a resilient model of soft power, enabling the country to move beyond the image of an “oil state” and position itself as an innovative regional hub. Investments in cultural, humanitarian, educational, economic, and technological projects have become key instruments for shaping the national brand, promoted through international events and partnerships [3], [4]. The Vision 2021 and Centennial 2071 strategies reinforced the long-term role of soft power, whose implementation through international exhibitions, cultural centers, humanitarian programs, media, and digital platforms has ensured the systematic nature of this policy. Expo 2020 Dubai served as a flagship project demonstrating the UAE’s economic and technological potential while expanding its global presence [2], [5]. Simultaneously, the country strengthens educational and scientific platforms and supports innovation, while humanitarian initiatives contribute to the image of a responsible international actor. The combination of economic resources, cultural diplomacy, educational initiatives, global events, and strategic communications generates a soft power effect that enhances the UAE’s influence at both regional and global levels [1], [3]. Study object – soft power in the foreign policy strategies of the United Arab Emirates. Scope of research – forms, mechanisms, and directions of soft power implementation in UAE foreign policy under contemporary international challenges. Goal of research is to comprehensively examine the nature of the resource potential and mechanisms of soft power implementation in the UAE’s foreign policy strategies, as well as to assess their effectiveness in the context of contemporary global and regional challenges. The master’s thesis examines the theoretical foundations, structural components, and practical models of soft power implementation in the UAE. It establishes that soft power has become a key instrument of foreign policy, enabling the country to influence global processes without resorting to coercion. UAE soft power is multidimensional, encompassing cultural-humanitarian, educational-scientific, media, economic, and innovation components, whose integration shapes a stable and positive international image. Analysis of practical applications—from cultural diplomacy and international exhibitions to global educational initiatives and digital communications—demonstrates the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach. Particular attention is given to the combination of traditional soft power resources with modern technologies, including digital platforms, innovative projects, and global media. This allows the UAE to expand partnership networks and influence both regional and global agendas. The study shows that the effectiveness of soft power depends on strategic planning, institutional coordination, and regulatory support. Its active use enables the UAE to adapt to geopolitical challenges, mitigate the effects of crises, and strengthen its international authority. Thus, soft power in the UAE functions as a systemic mechanism for realizing national interests, securing influence, authority, and a positive perception in the international arena. Keywords: soft power, foreign policy, United Arab Emirates, cultural diplomacy, international image, public diplomacy. References. 1. Almezaini, K. (2015). The UAE foreign policy and regional soft power. Routledge. https://www.academia.edu/105973223/The_UAE_and_Foreign_Policy 2. Arabian Business. (n.d.). Top 10: Emerging logistics markets. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/top-10-emerging-logistics-markets-453281 3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE. (2021). Annual report on cultural diplomacy initiatives. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. https://www.foreignaffairs.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2020-2021.pdf 4. UNESCO. (2020). Cultural Diplomacy and Global Cooperation: UAE Case Study. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374565 5. UAE Government. (2017). UAE Centennial 2071. https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/innovation-and-future-shaping/uae-centennial-2071