The United Arab Emirates is trying to manage long-standing rivalries with Iran and Turkey through dialogue to avoid further clashes in the region, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President Anwar Gargash said, Reuters reported.

There is uncertainty about the United States' commitment to the region and concerns about the impending cold war between Washington and Beijing, he said.

"We will see in the coming period really what is going on with regards to America's footprint in the region. I don't think we know yet, but Afghanistan is definitely a test and to be honest it is a very worrying test," Gargash said.

"Part of what we need to do is manage our region better. There is a vacuum and whenever there is a vacuum there is trouble," he told the World Policy Conference.

The UAE went to de-escalate tensions, cooperating with Iran and Turkey, whose influence they tried to counteract in conflicts in Yemen, Libya and other countries of the region.

"Turkey's recent re-examination of its policies towards Egypt, the Brotherhood and towards Saudi Arabia and others is very welcome. And I think for us to come mid-way and reach out is very important," Gargash said.

"The Turks have been very positive about what we are saying to them," he said. "Am I very positive about the reach out to Iran? Yes I am. Am I very positive that Iran will change its regional course? I have to say I am more realistic here, but I am betting Iran is also concerned about vacuum and escalation."

Gargash said the pandemic has put non-political priorities at the fore, and the main problem now lies between the United States and China.

"We are all worried very much by a looming cold war. That is bad news for all of us, because the idea of choosing is problematic in the international system, and I think this is not going to be an easy ride," he said.