Tensions Flare Between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates Over Influence in Yemen
Rival Gulf powers clash politically and militarily as competing agendas reshape Yemen’s fragile landscape
Long-simmering tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have sharpened in Yemen, as the two Gulf powers pursue increasingly divergent strategies that have brought them into open confrontation on the ground.
Once close partners in the Saudi-led coalition formed to counter the Houthi movement, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are now backing rival Yemeni factions, exposing fractures that complicate efforts to stabilise the country.
Recent developments have seen forces aligned with Saudi Arabia and those supported by the United Arab Emirates engage in direct clashes in parts of southern and eastern Yemen, according to regional officials and security sources.
The confrontations underscore a growing struggle for influence over key territory, ports and political institutions, particularly in areas nominally controlled by the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
Saudi Arabia continues to prioritise preserving Yemen’s territorial unity and supporting the central government, viewing stability along its southern border as a core national security interest.
The United Arab Emirates, by contrast, has focused on empowering local partners, including southern separatist groups, to secure strategic coastal regions and shipping routes.
Emirati officials argue that their approach has been effective in countering extremist organisations and protecting maritime trade.
The rivalry has intensified as broader diplomatic dynamics shift in the region.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict with the Houthis and reducing cross-border attacks, while the UAE has maintained a more hard-nosed posture in areas under its influence.
Analysts say the lack of a unified Gulf strategy risks prolonging instability and weakening prospects for a comprehensive political settlement.
Despite the tensions, both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi insist they remain committed to preventing Yemen from descending further into chaos and to countering hostile armed groups.
Regional mediators are now working to contain the fallout, as the latest clashes highlight how competing ambitions among allies can become a decisive factor in an already complex and fragile conflict.
Once close partners in the Saudi-led coalition formed to counter the Houthi movement, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are now backing rival Yemeni factions, exposing fractures that complicate efforts to stabilise the country.
Recent developments have seen forces aligned with Saudi Arabia and those supported by the United Arab Emirates engage in direct clashes in parts of southern and eastern Yemen, according to regional officials and security sources.
The confrontations underscore a growing struggle for influence over key territory, ports and political institutions, particularly in areas nominally controlled by the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
Saudi Arabia continues to prioritise preserving Yemen’s territorial unity and supporting the central government, viewing stability along its southern border as a core national security interest.
The United Arab Emirates, by contrast, has focused on empowering local partners, including southern separatist groups, to secure strategic coastal regions and shipping routes.
Emirati officials argue that their approach has been effective in countering extremist organisations and protecting maritime trade.
The rivalry has intensified as broader diplomatic dynamics shift in the region.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict with the Houthis and reducing cross-border attacks, while the UAE has maintained a more hard-nosed posture in areas under its influence.
Analysts say the lack of a unified Gulf strategy risks prolonging instability and weakening prospects for a comprehensive political settlement.
Despite the tensions, both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi insist they remain committed to preventing Yemen from descending further into chaos and to countering hostile armed groups.
Regional mediators are now working to contain the fallout, as the latest clashes highlight how competing ambitions among allies can become a decisive factor in an already complex and fragile conflict.
