Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed the incident, stating that a formal note has been sent to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking clarity on the matter. The MFA spokesperson, Akhror Burkhanov, revealed that legal counsel has been hired, and efforts are underway to resolve the situation.

Unverified reports suggest the detentions might be linked to an ongoing investigation into the November 21 murder of Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi and UAE resident. Kogan’s body was discovered with signs of violence in the UAE’s Al-Ain region. Emirati authorities have already detained three Uzbek nationals as suspects in the case. Israeli media have speculated that the suspects may have ties to groups associated with Iran, a claim not officially confirmed.

The detentions occur amid increased scrutiny of Uzbek nationals in the UAE. On November 30, 31 Uzbek citizens — all men — were denied entry at Abu Dhabi International Airport and subsequently repatriated. Uzbekistan’s embassy in the UAE has engaged with Emirati authorities to address the issue.

High-level diplomatic discussions have been held to resolve these incidents. Uzbekistan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Bahromjon Aloyev met with the UAE Ambassador to Uzbekistan on December 2 to address the growing concerns. Both sides have pledged to resolve these issues promptly.