In early January, the United Arab Emirates' U.S. embassy announced the Arab Gulf country would begin teaching the Holocaust in state schools for the first time in its history. Much of the immediate reaction focused on how the decision was likely a result of the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalized ties between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. But behind the possibility of strengthening Emirat-Israeli ties and improving Muslim-Jewish discourse, teaching the Holocaust in the United Arab Emirates is not only one of teaching history but also of introducing new ideas about human rights. These ideas will spread from the education hub that are the Emirates across the Global South, with uncertain effects for the authoritarian or absolutist regimes like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. And contrary to popular belief, Holocaust education does not guarantee strong Israeli-Muslim ties, particularly if Israel's illiberal turn under its right-wing government...
