The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong rebuke of a Saudi statement on recent developments in Yemen, saying it contains serious inaccuracies and unfair accusations against Abu Dhabi. The unusually blunt response underscores rising tensions between two key Gulf partners over how the conflict in Yemen is being portrayed and managed.
The UAE said it was compelled to respond publicly to correct what it described as misleading claims and to reaffirm its position on de escalation and regional security.
Abu Dhabi pushes back against Riyadh’s narrative
In an official statement released Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was dissatisfied with the Saudi statement, stressing that it included fundamental inaccuracies about the UAE’s role in Yemen.
The ministry rejected any suggestion that Abu Dhabi had supported or encouraged military actions by Yemeni groups that could threaten Saudi Arabia or its security. It described such allegations as false and without factual basis.
Officials said attempts to draw the UAE into escalating conflicts in Yemen were unacceptable and misrepresented its long stated policy.
UAE reiterates commitment to Saudi security
Despite the sharp tone, the statement emphasized the UAE’s continued commitment to Saudi Arabia’s stability and security. Abu Dhabi said it fully respects the Kingdom’s sovereignty and national interests, and remains aligned with efforts to protect the region from further instability.
The ministry said the UAE has not taken any steps that would undermine Saudi security, countering claims that it had backed armed movements hostile to Riyadh.
This reassurance appeared aimed at containing diplomatic fallout while firmly disputing the substance of the Saudi claims.
Role in Yemen framed as stabilising
The UAE reiterated that its presence in Yemen was at the request of the internationally recognised Yemeni government and within the framework of the Saudi led Arab Coalition.
Abu Dhabi said its position since the start of unrest in Hadramout and Al Mahrah has focused on containing tensions and supporting de escalation, not inflaming local disputes.
Officials stressed that their actions were designed to prevent further deterioration on the ground rather than expand military confrontation.
Call for responsibility and verified facts
The foreign ministry urged all parties to handle recent developments responsibly and base public statements on verified facts. It warned that unsubstantiated accusations risk worsening an already fragile situation in Yemen.
According to the statement, inaccurate narratives could undermine efforts to calm tensions and complicate political and security coordination within the coalition.
The UAE called for restraint in public discourse to avoid escalation at a time when Yemen remains deeply vulnerable to renewed conflict.
Senior diplomat underscores UAE stance
The statement was issued under the authority of Khalifa Shaheen al-Marar, who has represented the UAE in multiple regional diplomatic engagements in recent months.
His involvement signaled the seriousness with which Abu Dhabi views the issue and its determination to correct what it sees as mischaracterisation of its policies.
Implications for Gulf relations
While both countries remain strategic partners, the public disagreement highlights underlying strains within the Gulf over Yemen’s future and the handling of security challenges along the Arabian Peninsula.
Analysts say the episode reflects broader disagreements about influence, local alliances, and approaches to stability in southern Yemen, even as the two states continue to cooperate on wider regional issues.
Whether the dispute remains limited to statements or develops into a deeper diplomatic rift may depend on how Riyadh responds and whether both sides can align on a shared narrative going forward.
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