Saudi Arabia on Tuesday issued one of its strongest public criticisms yet of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signaling a rare diplomatic rupture between the Gulf allies. The remarks followed allegations that UAE-linked vessels had arrived near Mukalla port earlier this month, reportedly transporting military equipment intended for local factions.
Saudi officials said the developments were viewed in Riyadh as a potential trigger for instability, warning that actions endangering the kingdom’s security sphere would not be ignored.
Saudi Arabia Issues Public Reprimand
In a formal statement released by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the kingdom described the UAE’s recent posture in Yemen as a security concern that could impact regional balance. Riyadh reiterated that it considers any threat to its national security a non-negotiable boundary.
“Any threat to national security will be met with necessary and measured steps,” the statement read, without specifying further operational details.
Yemen’s Leadership Adds to the Diplomatic Pressure
The Saudi message came shortly after comments from Rashad Al-Olimi, chair of Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Council, who said the alleged shipments appeared designed to strengthen separatist-aligned groups and expand military momentum in the country. He stressed that such developments, if unaddressed, could fragment national security efforts.
The UAE government has not issued a public response at the time of writing. Media inquiries were reportedly sent to Emirati ministries by international outlets.
Southern Yemen Tensions Pre-Date the Incident
Earlier this month, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) — a political-military organization with historical support from the UAE — conducted operations across parts of southern Yemen. Yemeni officials backed by Saudi Arabia said that the campaign shifted focus away from national unification priorities, complicating pressure against Houthi-linked forces in the north.
Several local factions aligned to the STC have in past months referenced the possibility of greater administrative independence for southern provinces, including Hadramout, an energy-rich region that has long been central to Yemen’s economic debates.
Defense Pacts, Borders, and Unresolved Questions
Some Yemeni groups supported by Saudi Arabia previously announced the suspension of defense cooperation agreements with the UAE following weeks of political friction in 2025. It remains unclear how many foreign troops from any country currently maintain active positions inside Yemen, as the security environment has fluctuated significantly since 2019.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE share a long history of military coordination, including their involvement in the Yemen conflict in 2015, before the UAE scaled back its presence in 2019.
U.S. Diplomats Push for Restraint
The diplomatic strain emerged even as the United States continued to express support for both partners. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged restraint and negotiation, thanking Gulf allies for their leadership on security diplomacy.
A Conflict-Scarred Nation Ends the Year
Yemen’s prolonged conflict, which began in 2014 and escalated regionally in 2015, remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies. Years of fighting have contributed to economic contraction, infrastructure disruption, and pressure on healthcare and public services. Aid groups say that rebuilding requires not only construction, but also stable governance and reliable supply routes for essential services.