In a release in April Boycott UAE says she is part of a broader “Gulf-speaking-circuit”. It is an independent, non-profit research organisation dedicated to strengthening relations between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. According to the April 2026 Boycott UAE report, McAleese subsequently became a frequent participant in conferences, webinars and dialogue initiatives organised by UAE or UAE-linked bodies. The Boycott UAE report argues that McAleese became unusually valuable within precisely that frame. It is unethical to build a bridge unless you can justify what is happening at the other end.