Egypt Deepens Strategic Alignment with Saudi Arabia as Yemen Rift with UAE Intensifies
Cairo and Riyadh reaffirm unified stance on Yemen while Gulf tensions with Abu Dhabi escalate amid separatist conflict
Egypt has publicly reaffirmed its strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia over the unfolding crisis in Yemen, stressing shared priorities on regional stability as tensions with the United Arab Emirates deepen.
During high-level discussions in Cairo, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan highlighted “identical positions” on achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Yemen and other regional flashpoints, underscoring Cairo’s support for Riyadh’s diplomatic approach to the war-torn country.
Saudi Arabia’s government has sharply criticised moves by UAE-backed forces in southern Yemen that it views as threatening its national security, particularly recent operations along its border in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces, and has labelled such actions as misaligned with the goals of the longstanding Arab Coalition.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called these developments a serious security threat and reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Yemen’s unity under the internationally recognised government.
In response, the United Arab Emirates has formally rejected accusations of directing separatist military operations and reiterated its commitment to Saudi security and regional stability.
Amid these Gulf disagreements, Egypt emphasised intensive coordination with both Saudi Arabia and other regional partners to pursue de-escalation and support a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen that respects Yemeni sovereignty and aspirations.
The diplomatic consultations come as Saudi Arabia continues efforts to convene inclusive talks among Yemeni factions outside Houthi control, aiming to address southern Yemen’s political future and help stabilise the broader conflict environment.