Bad Journalism or Declaration of Intent? Javan Newspaper on UAE Investment Security

An article by journalist Vahid Azimnia on investment opportunities in Oman calling for expansion of trade relations with the sultanate remarkably argued that Oman has overtaken the United Arab Emirates in attracting foreign investments. This, Azimnia claimed, is due to the UAE’s role in the war in Yemen, which provoked Houthi attacks against civilian airports, undercutting its position as a safe haven for investment. As Javan newspaper is a mouthpiece of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it is unclear if the article is poorly researched economic journalism, an attempt to undervalue the level of UAE regional economic clout, or possibly a signaling of intent concerning future attacks against the UAE. 

• January 26: In a lengthy Javan newspaper article, Azimnia criticized Iranian officials for not stimulating further trade between Iran and Oman, yet the article began with a broadside against the UAE: “There was a time when the UAE managed to present itself to the world as a safe haven for investments. The country managed to attract foreign investors, including Iranian capitalists, who flocked to the UAE. However, due to their miscalculations, and by following policies dictated to them by the so called ‘Saudi alliance against Yemen,’ they were targeted by patriotic holy warriors of Yemen, who bereaved the UAE of its privileged position as a safe haven. Just a few minor moves against airports demonstrated how fragile the glass house of the UAE is. If they throw stones at Yemen, they will not be safe from the thundering consequences … With the tarnished image of the UAE as a safe haven for foreign investments … Oman is emerging as a safe haven.” Shifting focus to the main subject, the article argued historical ties, Oman’s small, but influential, Twelver Shia minority, and Omani citizens with Baluchi Iranian ancestry provide Iran with avenues to expand trade relations with Muscat. 

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