The UAE was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan 's legitimate government ( Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were the other two countries ) . At the encouragement of the United States , the UAE attempted to host a Taliban embassy under three conditions which include denouncing Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden , recognizing the Afghan constitution , and renouncing violence and laying down their weapons . The Taliban refused all three conditions , and the UAE withdrew its offer . The UAE rescinded diplomatic relations with the Taliban after 11 September attacks in 2001 ( alongside Pakistan )
11 September attacks
September 11 attacks
United Arab Emirates