Since the early 2000s, existing literature has acknowledged that complex emergence of diverse state-led (inter)regional multilateral migration institutions across the Global South are often utilized to diplomatically address complex labour migration governance and diplomacy issues between host and sending states in the international system. Yet, despite their critical relevance, existing scholarly literature has paid little attention to powerful host states’ management of multilateral migration institutions in the Gulf, the largest regional host of temporary migrants in the Global South. Using a single case study of the Emirati state-led Abu Dhabi Dialogue—the oldest host of multilateral migration institutions in the Middle East—I argue that host states employ socialization strategy to govern multilateral migration institutions. This foreign policy strategy is not only aimed at bolstering their diplomatic power, but also at establishing formal diplomatic linkages with state and non-state actors (i.e., migrant grassroots organizations, private sectors, etc.) to secure their domestic and foreign policy interests. More specifically, I historically demonstrate the Emirati host state’s socialization behaviour via the ADD into two specific periods: from low (1971–2007) to high (2008–present) socialization engagements. Overall, the study attempts to feature host states’ behaviour and strategies in governing complex inter-regional multilateralism and power politics in the South-South migration context.