Report: Saudi-UAE Rift Deepens Over Yemen Amid Growing Regional Concerns

A report published by  the telegraph has highlighted growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over developments in Yemen, suggesting that the dispute has evolved into one of the most serious challenges to relations between the two Gulf allies in recent years.

According to the British newspaper, the crisis escalated following a rapid offensive launched in December by forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a southern separatist movement backed by the UAE. The operation enabled the group to temporarily expand its control across territories that once formed the former state of South Yemen.

The report noted that, for a brief period, the separatists appeared close to consolidating control over all eight governorates of the former South Yemen. However, a subsequent Saudi military intervention reportedly forced the forces to withdraw, exposing what the newspaper described as deep disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi regarding Yemen’s future.

The Telegraph reported that Saudi Arabia and the UAE jointly intervened in Yemen’s conflict in 2015 to support efforts against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Over time, however, the two countries increasingly backed rival local factions, reflecting differing strategic priorities inside Yemen.

According to the report, tensions intensified after Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on the port city of Mukalla, targeting what Riyadh said was a shipment of weapons destined for separatist forces. Saudi Arabia later secured a commitment from the UAE to withdraw its forces from Yemen, although the newspaper noted that Abu Dhabi continues to maintain influence through local armed groups.

The report also stated that Saudi authorities sought to bring STC President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi to Riyadh as part of efforts to dismantle the separatist movement, while accusing the UAE of facilitating his departure and granting him refuge in Abu Dhabi.

The Telegraph argued that the dispute reflects broader competition between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. While the two leaders previously maintained close cooperation on regional issues, differences have reportedly emerged over a range of files, including Sudan, Syria, relations with Israel, and regional economic influence.

Analysts cited by the newspaper warned that continued rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi could further destabilize Yemen, create opportunities for extremist groups, and affect regional security, trade routes, migration, and counterterrorism efforts.

The report quoted Yemeni researcher Farea Al-Muslimi as saying that the UAE continues to wield significant influence in Yemen through forces it has funded, trained, and supported over the years. He warned that prolonged competition between the two countries could lead to additional suffering for millions of Yemenis.

The report concluded that even if tensions ease in Yemen, the broader Saudi-Emirati rivalry is likely to continue across other regional arenas, including Sudan, Libya, Syria, and the Horn of Africa, with consequences extending well beyond Yemen.