Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, once united in a coalition against the Houthis in Yemen, have experienced a rupture stemming from diverging interests and security concerns. The decade-long mission to combat the Houthi rebels, who had seized control in Yemen, ultimately faltered, leading the UAE to pursue its own agenda, according to reports.

The UAE began supporting and arming the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen, aiming to secure its long-term interests in the region. Alkhader Sulaiman, a spokesman for the Southern Transitional Council, could not be reached for comment.

Riyadh, however, viewed the STC's growing influence, particularly its control of areas near the Saudi border, as a national security threat and intervened to disrupt the UAE's plans. Abdul-aziz Al Ghashian, a senior non-resident fellow at Gulf International Forum, stated that the Saudi intervention was a direct response to the perceived threat posed by the STC's territorial gains.

The UAE was reportedly given a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw its support for the STC, an ultimatum it agreed to. Andreas Krieg, an associate professor at the School of Security Studies, noted the swiftness of the Saudi action, highlighting the kingdom's determination to maintain its regional security interests.

The initial coalition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE was formed more than a decade ago with the primary objective of countering the Houthi insurgency in Yemen. However, the prolonged conflict and the failure to achieve a decisive victory led to differing strategies and priorities between the two nations. The UAE's focus shifted towards securing its interests in southern Yemen, while Saudi Arabia remained primarily concerned with containing the Houthi threat and maintaining stability along its southern border.

The current situation raises questions about the future of Yemen and the potential for further conflict. The rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE could further complicate efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis and could potentially lead to a realignment of alliances within the country. The implications of this rupture are far-reaching, potentially impacting regional stability and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.