"The UAE prefers direct talks (with Iran) or referral of the issue to international arbitration," Al-Ghurair told reporters here ahead of leaving for Morocco.
During his stay here, the UAE senior official met with Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali to discuss bilateral and regional issues of common interest.
He said the meeting showed that UAE and Tunisia have identical views an all major Arab issues.
"The Tunisian leader renewed support to the UAE in its dispute with Iran," he said.
"The two countries maintain close coordination of their stances towards not only the islands dispute but all Arab issues notably the Palestine question and the Middle East peace process," he affirmed.
Al-Ghurair added that the talks with the Tunisian leaders dealt also with ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation and the formation of friendship groups between the parliaments of the two Arab nations.
"The two sides share the desire to strengthen the economic, commercial and investment ties," he pointed out.
"The UAE will enhance its investments in Tunisia and welcomes Tunisian business people willing to launch ventures in it," he said, commending the investment-friendly legislations adopted by Tunisia recently.
The value of UAE investments in the North African country is estimated at USD three billion with efforts being made to push the figure to USD 20 billion.
The UAE claims sovereignty over Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Moussa three small islands close to the Strait of Hormuz which have been occupied by Iran since the withdrawal of the British colonial forces in 1968.
Iran sent its military force to Abu Moussa to take hold of the island in 1971.
