We don't have to act desperate about this port deal. Too many here are jumping fearing we won't be liked. There's much about the UAE that's not understood. As to who needs who the most?
The UAE isn't a charitable organization that's giving us the right to dock there for free. We pay them. But that's not why were important to them. We're important because if we weren't there the Iranians would swoop over and take their oil fields. And if we said "dock our ships for free or we're pulling out, they would dock our ships for free. Now, the relationship is equal. When the war is over, it will be unequal in our favor.
My suggestion to the scardy cats who are afraid the UAE won't like them? They should stop acting so desperate. It's not attractive.
People need to understand that there are two types of Middle Eastern countries. Economic ones and Military/Religious ones.
No doubt UAE, Saudi Arabia & possibly others were "friendly" to some bad elements in the past. But, they now realize these bad elements could easily turn on them. They want to protect their economic turf. It definitely creates some complications. The "bad guys" could hurt them today, but democratization might unseat them some years from now. Cashing in while they can.