Amanze Chinonye
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, historically close allies in the Gulf, experienced a major public rupture after Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 targeted weapons shipments linked to the UAE in Yemen’s southern port city of Mukalla.
Riyadh said the shipments, arriving from the UAE port of Fujairah, were intended for southern separatist forces opposing the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The UAE denied the allegations, emphasizing that the shipments were not meant for non-state actors. Independent reports confirmed that weapons and military vehicles were targeted, but no casualty figures have been independently verified.
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Following the December 30 strike, Saudi-backed forces intensified operations in southern Yemen. The UAE-aligned Southern Transitional Council (STC) subsequently announced its dissolution. Reports indicate that STC leadership relocated amid pressure from Saudi-backed authorities, highlighting the erosion of UAE influence in the region.
The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, aligned with Riyadh, formally canceled defense and security agreements with the UAE and ordered Emirati forces to withdraw, effectively curtailing Abu Dhabi’s military role in Yemen.
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The diplomatic consequences extended beyond Yemen. On January 12, 2026, Somalia’s federal government canceled all bilateral agreements with the UAE, including defense, security, and port arrangements. Somali officials cited actions by Abu Dhabi that undermined national sovereignty and internal stability. International media reported Saudi pressure played a role in this decision.
Amid growing tensions with Saudi Arabia, the UAE accelerated its strategic pivot toward South Asia. During a January 19 visit to New Delhi, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed a defense partnership with India and advanced discussions on energy and strategic cooperation.
Following this, the UAE formally abandoned plans to operate Islamabad International Airport, a high-profile infrastructure project in Pakistan. Pakistani and Indian media reported the cancellation as part of Abu Dhabi’s recalibrated regional strategy.
Experts say the events reflect underlying differences in Saudi and UAE approaches to regional influence. Saudi Arabia prioritizes state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and partnerships with recognized governments. The UAE, by contrast, has historically relied on flexible networks, local alliances, and strategic investments across the region.
“This sequence of events exposes fundamental differences in approach,” said a Middle East security analyst. “It is a rare public fracture between two Gulf powers that have historically coordinated closely in conflicts like Yemen.”
The Saudi-UAE split challenges assumptions that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) operates as a single geopolitical bloc. Analysts warn that investors, diplomats, and regional planners will need to account for distinct strategies and competing interests between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
While both governments continue to maintain diplomatic and economic ties, the events since the December 30, 2025 strike signal a major realignment in Gulf regional strategy, with potential implications for Yemen, Somalia, and broader Middle East diplomacy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
