Tamim has often blamed Israel for regional violence. In 2010, Tamim said
Israel was behind the assassination of Hamas procurement chief Mahmoud
Mabhouh in a Dubai hotel.
"From my knowledge and experience, I can say that any time there is a
public movement or upheaval, and when you can't find a leader for this
movement, this means that there are invisible hands behind it," Tamim told a
news conference on Aug. 16.
The Dubai police chief said Israel maintained a presence in the Gulf and
could target anybody in the region, Middle East Newsline reported. Tamim, who suggested a GCC police
agency, said his force was still searching for those involved in the Mabhouh
killing.
"Israel is a superpower, and has dangerous influence," Tamim said. "If
Israel wants someone to escape the rule of justice, they can do it."
The UAE has arrested several dissidents who called for reform in the
Gulf Cooperation Council state. Tamim, however, denied that Dubai or the
emirates were holding political prisoners, saying criticism was allowed.
"There is no single prisoner of conscience in the UAE," Tamim said. "You
can complain about any issue, provided you do not make it a personal
attack."