U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 18 to meet with U.S. diplomats, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Defense Minister Mohammed Al Bawardi, Reuters reported. This will be his first visit to the region as secretary of defense. The United Arab Emirates are an ally in operations against the Islamic State . Mattis may follow up on a January discussion between U.S. President Donald Trump and the crown prince about a proposed safe zone for Syrians . The United Arab Emirates is part of the Saudi-led coalition currently intervening in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels . The Trump administration has been critical of Iran and of the nuclear deal struck by former President Barack Obama.