UAE-Israel: forget the politics, let’s get down to business

UAE-Israel: forget the politics, let’s get down to business

This year has most certainly been one of surprises. Not least the agreement between the UAE and Israel to begin formal negotiations on the path toward full recognition. It's taken less than three weeks since the agreement was announced for a plane with the livery of Israel's national carrier El Al to touch down in Abu Dhabi, bringing with it a media and trade delegation.

What is clear is that both sides want the relationship to develop quickly. What isn't clear, at least in the media, is any understanding of the Israelis and what they want.

Let's start with some basic facts. Israel is very much part of the Middle East, geographically and culturally. More than 20 percent of the population is Arab, and a slight majority of the Jewish population is