Even as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia compete across the Middle East and Africa, their security establishments are moving in lockstep with Israel against Iran. In late March, as Iranian missiles rained across the skies of the Gulf states, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks with Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Al Ain, just 150 miles from Iran.

The meeting led to expanded operational cooperation and reaffirmed the shared regional objectives of both countries.