UAE and Israel seek closer ties after flydubai attack, echoing US-Saudi post-9/11 cooperation

Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev met with UAE Ambassador Mohamed Al-Khaja on Sunday to discuss cooperation following the attack on flydubai flight FZ1073, signaling efforts to strengthen bilateral ties despite the incident. The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami from Oman, attacked the pilot with an axe; Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers helped save the plane, which landed in Saudi Arabia. Both officials posted about the meeting on X, emphasizing continued cooperation in aviation and transport. The incident highlights the strategic UAE-Israel relationship, built on the Abraham Accords, with 1.35 million passengers flying between the countries in 2025. Analysts suggest the challenge may deepen ties, similar to US-Saudi cooperation after 9/11.