The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recognised Abdul Rahman Fida, a Taliban-appointed diplomat, as the Consul General of the "Islamic Republic of Afghanistan" in Dubai.
In an official statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry referred to the Taliban envoy at least three times as the "representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan", a title that has not been used by the country since the Taliban's takeover in 2021.
On Tuesday, 27 May, the ministry announced that Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, Director of the Ministry in Dubai, had received Fida’s credentials during a meeting with the Taliban representative.
"Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum welcomed the Consul General and congratulated him on his appointment, wishing him success in his duties, and commended the strong political, economic, commercial, and investment ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," the statement read.
The phrasing has raised questions, as the Taliban refer to their administration as the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan." The UAE, like most nations, has not formally recognised the Taliban government.
