UAE Influence in Egypt Sparks Outcry Over Sovereignty and Economic Control

Watan-A recent visit by the Crown Prince of Fujairah to Cairo has sparked significant controversy, highlighting what observers describe as the growing influence of the United Arab Emirates in Egypt’s economic and political decision-making.

While officially billed as a diplomatic mission to “enhance bilateral cooperation,” the visit included extensive meetings with Egyptian officials, including the Prime Minister and various ministers, as well as cultural and protocol engagements. Many noted that the tone and scope of the visit resembled that of a co-ruler rather than a guest, signaling a shift in power dynamics.

Observers warn that the UAE is no longer merely investing in Egypt—it is effectively buying it “piece by piece”. With Egypt’s economy in freefall, the Egyptian pound at record lows, and public debt spiraling, national assets are increasingly up for grabs.

لم يعد الأمر مجرّد تعاون اقتصادي أو استثمار، بل أصبح استحواذًا ممنهجًا على مقدّرات #مصر بترحيب ورعاية من النظام.. لا رقابة ولا شفافية ولا حتى علم للرأي العام بما يُمنح وما يُباع!

فقط خضوع للكفيل وهيمنة على بلد يُفرّط في كل شيء حتى في تاريخه وهويته!.. والحقيقة الصادمة خلف… pic.twitter.com/bJ2AvUsXeh

— وطن. يغرد خارج السرب (@watanserb_news) May 22, 2025

From ports, farmland, and public sector companies, to beaches and the controversial Ras El Hekma project, Emirati businessmen—most notably Khalaf Al Habtoor—have taken control, thanks to exceptional privileges granted by the Egyptian government, including tax exemptions and the opaque “Golden License” scheme for “serious investors.”

Critics argue this is not investment—it’s a sale of national sovereignty. Meanwhile, ordinary Egyptians grapple with soaring inflation and a future mortgaged by debt.

The situation is exacerbated by a complete lack of transparency. Egyptians have no access to detailed information about the deals, the valuation methods, or the terms of sale, raising serious concerns about corruption and foreign dominance.

Analysts say Egypt is undergoing a strategic economic and political transformation, driven not by domestic policy, but by foreign powers—with the UAE at the forefront—as the government and state media aggressively promote what critics label a “fictional success story” under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.