Egypt Calls for Saudi and UAE Leaders to Address Yemen Rift ‘Wisely’ Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions
Cairo urges unity and prudent diplomacy as divisions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen deepen, risking broader regional instability
Egypt has publicly urged Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to manage their differences over the conflict in Yemen with prudence and a focus on shared Arab interests, as diplomatic and military tensions between the two Gulf powers intensify.
In a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Cairo expressed “full confidence” that both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi would approach the situation with wisdom, brotherhood and a recognition of the broader implications for Yemen and the region.
The Egyptian appeal comes against the backdrop of a sharp escalation in the Gulf’s handling of Yemen, where long-standing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE has fractured.
Recent developments include Saudi airstrikes on the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, which Riyadh says targeted weapons linked to Emirati interests, and the UAE’s announcement that it has ended the mission of its remaining counter-terrorism units in Yemen.
Egypt’s position reflects its interest in regional stability, particularly as Yemen’s conflict threatens security along vital Red Sea trade routes and risks further fragmentation in the Arabian Peninsula.
Cairo has historically played a diplomatic role in Gulf affairs and continues to advocate for inclusive dialogue to preserve unity and prevent wider escalation.
Analysts note that Egypt’s call for wise handling underscores concern that intra-Gulf disagreements could undermine broader efforts to stabilise Yemen after more than a decade of war, complicating peace efforts and humanitarian responses.
With both Saudi Arabia and the UAE key strategic partners for Egypt, the appeal for responsible diplomacy signals a desire to avoid broader rifts that might destabilise regional cooperation frameworks.
Egypt’s emphasis on wise management of differences highlights the interconnected nature of Middle East security, where disputes in Yemen have implications that extend far beyond its borders.