A significant diplomatic spat is unfolding between two crucial Arab partners, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, casting a new shadow over the already complex conflict in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has publicly accused the UAE of engaging in “highly dangerous” actions, including allegedly supplying weapons and combat vehicles to separatist forces in Yemen. Riyadh claims these actions are a direct threat to its national security and undermine the core purpose of the Arab Coalition in Yemen.
The UAE, however, has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them “baseless.” Its foreign ministry stated it “categorically rejects any attempt to implicate it” in tensions among Yemeni parties. Abu Dhabi clarified that a recent shipment, which became the target of Saudi airstrikes at Mukalla port, contained no weapons and was intended solely for UAE forces, not any Yemeni group. The vehicles unloaded, they insisted, were also not for local factions.
Saudi Arabia did not mince words, expressing “disappointment” and warning that the UAE was reportedly pressuring the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) to conduct military operations near Saudi borders. This, they declared, is a “red line,” threatening Saudi national security, and vowed to take all necessary measures.
The friction escalated further as Yemen’s Presidential Council, supported by Riyadh, also accused the UAE of directing rebellion. With UAE-backed STC forces recently seizing control of several southern provinces, Saudi-aligned authorities criticized the move, arguing it hinders efforts against the Houthi movement.
In a dramatic turn, Saudi-aligned groups in Yemen have now called for the immediate withdrawal of all Emirati forces within 24 hours and announced the termination of a defense agreement with the UAE. Amidst this growing tension, the UAE continues to advocate for de-escalation, urging responsible actions to prevent further instability in the war-torn nation. This rift between allies adds another challenging layer to Yemen’s protracted struggle.
