Sharp discord between longtime allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has erupted into a public fracture over Yemen's fractured landscape.
The UAE announced on Tuesday the withdrawal of all remaining forces from Yemen, a move following a stark ultimatum from Saudi Arabia after its warplanes struck Emirati military equipment in Mukalla's port, as reported by the Washington Examiner.
The Saudi demand was clear: pull out entirely and halt support for all Yemeni factions within 24 hours. Abu Dhabi’s compliance, though framed as a sovereign choice, raises eyebrows given the timing of Riyadh’s military action and stern warning.
Saudi Ultimatum Sparks Swift UAE Exit
The UAE’s Defense Ministry claimed the decision was independent, stating, “The remaining presence was limited to specialised personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts.” This attempt to save face sidesteps the glaring reality of Saudi pressure, which included a direct bombing of Emirati assets.
Further, the ministry’s follow-up noted, “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defence announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition.” Such wording feels like a diplomatic dodge, ignoring the elephant in the room: Riyadh’s red line on national security.
The roots of this clash trace back to early December when the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council launched a rapid offensive, seizing Hadramawt and al Mahra. These regions, comprising half of Yemen’s land but a sliver of its population, handed the STC control over 80% of the nation’s oil reserves.
Oil-Rich Territories Fuel Regional Rivalry
Saudi Arabia views this territorial grab as a direct provocation, especially since Hadramawt borders its own territory. Reports suggest Riyadh suspects the UAE orchestrated the STC’s move as retaliation for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent Washington visit, perceived as an attempt to pressure Abu Dhabi over its Sudan policies.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry didn’t mince words, declaring, “The steps taken by the UAE are considered highly dangerous.” This blunt language signals that Riyadh sees Emirati actions as a betrayal of shared interests, not just a policy disagreement.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s Foreign Ministry expressed “regret” over Saudi condemnation, insisting the Mukalla equipment was for its own forces, not external factions. This defense rings hollow when the STC’s financial and military ties to Abu Dhabi remain an open secret.
Decades of Alliance Now Strain Under Ambition
The UAE’s withdrawal might ease immediate tensions, but its deep investment in the STC, now controlling over half of Yemen’s land, suggests lingering influence. Riyadh’s ultimatum also demanded a complete cessation of factional support, a condition Abu Dhabi has yet to address publicly.
This crisis reveals a broader shift as these Gulf allies increasingly view each other as competitors in a reshaping regional order. Yemen, long a proxy for larger power plays, now exposes the fragility of coalitions built on convenience rather than trust.
Saudi Arabia’s warning of “necessary steps” to protect its security looms large over any hope of quick reconciliation. If the UAE continues to bankroll the STC indirectly, expect Riyadh to respond with more than just words.
Future of Yemen Hangs in Balance
The STC’s sudden dominance, taking a third of Yemen’s population under its sway, marks the most dramatic territorial shift in over a decade of civil war. This isn’t just a local skirmish; it’s a chess move in a high-stakes game between Gulf heavyweights.
Abu Dhabi’s public stance of fighting terrorism in Yemen, targeting groups like the Houthis and Al-Qaeda, clashes with Saudi perceptions of destabilizing ambition. The unspoken truth is that UAE support for secessionists undermines the internationally recognized government Riyadh backs.
As protests flare in Yemen over the UAE’s exit, the question remains whether this withdrawal signals a genuine retreat or a strategic pivot. Both nations must now weigh whether their rivalry serves their long-term goals or simply hands Yemen’s future to the very factions they claim to oppose.
