The moderating role of public perception on the relationship between soft power practices and international relations in UAE'S Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Selected Embassies

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a notable global player through the strategic use of soft power in its international relations. This study investigates the moderating role of public perception in the relationship between soft power practices and international relations within the context of the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This research aims to assess how key soft power components, namely foreign policy, culture, and political values, influence the UAE’s international standing, and the extent to which public perception shapes these interactions. Using a quantitative research methodology, data were collected through structured surveys from 357 Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees, selected using quota sampling from the headquarters in Abu Dhabi and UAE embassies worldwide. Statistical analyses, including Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), were employed to test and validate the hypotheses. The findings reveal that the soft power dimensions, particularly foreign policy and culture, significantly enhance international relations outcomes. Moreover, public perception was found to play a pivotal moderating role by amplifying the effectiveness of soft power strategies. These results highlight the importance of aligning soft power practices with public sentiment to optimize their impact. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers in the UAE and other nations seeking to strengthen their soft power frameworks to foster more effective global engagement. Future research could benefit from exploring longitudinal shifts in public perception and their implications for international diplomacy