More than a decade after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formed a coalition to combat Houthi rebels in Yemen, a rift has emerged due to diverging interests and security concerns. The UAE's support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen, including arming the group, led to tensions with Saudi Arabia, which views the STC's territorial gains near its borders as a national security threat.
The UAE's backing of the STC aimed to pursue its long-term interests in the region, according to reports. However, Saudi Arabia intervened when the STC seized control of areas near its borders, perceiving this as a direct threat to its national security. The UAE was reportedly given 24 hours to withdraw from an ultimatum it had agreed to.
The initial coalition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE was formed to counter the Houthis, who had taken control in Yemen. However, the mission faltered over the years. Abdul-aziz Al Ghashian, a senior non-resident fellow at Gulf International Forum, noted the shift in priorities that fueled the divide.
Alkharder Sulaiman, a spokesman for the Southern Transitional Council, offered his group's perspective on the situation. Andreas Krieg, associate professor at the School of Security Studies, provided additional analysis of the complex dynamics at play.
The evolving dynamics between Saudi Arabia and the UAE raise questions about the future of Yemen and the broader regional implications. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term consequences of this rift are yet to be seen.
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