The decision came “in line with UAE efforts to strengthen relations with Iran, and as part of a previous decision to increase diplomatic representation to the rank of ambassador,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that the decision contributes to “further advancing bilateral relations in cooperation with officials in Iran to achieve the common interests of the two countries and the wider region.”

The announcement follows a phone call on July 26 between the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

The UAE had downgraded ties to Tehran to the level of the charge d’affaires in 2016, after a mob ransacked Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran and set it on fire.

The UAE and Iran both claim the disputed Abu Musa island and Greater and Lesser Tumb islands located near the Straight of Hormuz.