Saudi Arabia Accuses UAE Of Escalating Yemen Conflict With ‘Highly Dangerous’ Actions

Saudi Arabia has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of escalating tensions in Yemen through what it described as “highly dangerous” military actions, exposing a deepening rift between two Gulf states that were once close partners in the conflict.

The accusations follow reports of limited UAE airstrikes on Yemen’s Mukalla port, which Riyadh says threaten Saudi national security and undermine Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

What has Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of?

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the UAE’s recent military actions in Yemen constitute a dangerous escalation that directly threatens Saudi security. The statement warned that any actions endangering Saudi interests would be met with swift retaliation.

The comments followed remarks by Rashad Al Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Council, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. Al Alimi accused the UAE of orchestrating military operations that weaken Yemen’s central authority and exacerbate instability.

How has the UAE responded to the accusations?

The UAE denied Saudi claims, saying reports of its involvement in destabilising activities were based on a misinterpretation of its actions. Emirati officials said the airstrikes at Mukalla port were aimed at supplies intended for UAE forces, not at supporting separatist groups.

The UAE also rejected allegations that it was pushing military operations near the Saudi border, calling such claims unfounded.

What role does the Southern Transitional Council play in the dispute?

A central point of contention is the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist military and political group backed by the UAE. Saudi officials accuse the UAE of exerting influence over the STC and encouraging it to carry out operations that challenge Yemen’s central government.

The STC has recently captured several strategically important areas, including parts of the oil-rich Hadramout province. Saudi-aligned factions say these moves risk fragmenting Yemen further and diverting attention from the fight against the Houthi movement.

Why are Saudi and Emirati interests diverging in Yemen?

Saudi Arabia continues to support Yemen’s internationally recognised government and favours a unified Yemeni state. The UAE, by contrast, has backed local forces in southern Yemen, including the STC, raising concerns in Riyadh about Abu Dhabi’s long-term intentions.

These differing approaches have intensified tensions between the two Gulf powers, with some Saudi-aligned voices calling for the UAE’s withdrawal from Yemen and a formal reassessment of defence cooperation.

How has the international community reacted?

The United States has expressed concern over the escalation, urging both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to avoid further destabilisation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent the conflict from worsening.

The rift comes at a time when Yemen continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions affected by years of war.

What does this mean for the Saudi-UAE relationship?

Saudi Arabia and the UAE were key partners in the Yemen intervention and previously coordinated closely on regional issues, including the 2017 blockade of Qatar. The current dispute represents one of the most serious challenges to that partnership in recent years.

As tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi intensify, uncertainty over Yemen’s future has increased, raising concerns that intra-coalition rivalries could further complicate efforts to stabilise the country and end the conflict.