ISLAMABAD: A prominent Saudi Arabian academic has publicly accused theUnited Arab Emirates of serving as Israel’s “Trojan horse” in the Arabworld, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing rift between the twoGulf neighbours. In a detailed article published in the Saudi newspaper AlJazirah, Dr Ahmed bin Othman al-Tuwaijri described Abu Dhabi as having”thrown itself into the arms of Zionism” to undermine Saudi Arabia’sregional leadership and advance its own ambitions through covert alignmentwith Tel Aviv. This rhetoric highlights how personal and ideological thetensions have become amid broader disputes over influence in Yemen andbeyond.
The accusation comes at a time when Saudi-UAE relations have deterioratedsharply, particularly following military confrontations in Yemen late lastyear. Al-Tuwaijri, a former member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council and arespected figure in academic and political circles, argued that the UAE’sstrategic partnership with Israel stems from deep-seated jealousy towardSaudi Arabia’s religious, geopolitical, and economic stature. He claimedAbu Dhabi views Riyadh as an obstacle to its goal of emerging as thedominant Gulf power, prompting it to forge alliances that betray Arab andIslamic unity.
According to reports from Middle East Eye and other regional outlets,al-Tuwaijri alleged that the Emirati leadership is “blinded by hatred andjealousy,” having received decades of Saudi support yet choosing tochallenge the kingdom openly. He portrayed the UAE’s normalization of tieswith Israel—formalized through the Abraham Accords in 2020—as not merely adiplomatic move but a deliberate strategy to weaken Saudi influence. Thisincludes purported military and intelligence cooperation that allegedlyfacilitates Israeli operations in the region, including in Gaza, whilepositioning the UAE as a conduit for Zionist interests in the Arab world.
The scholar’s comments reflect a growing narrative in Saudi-aligned mediathat frames the UAE’s actions as treacherous. Al-Tuwaijri emphasized thatAbu Dhabi’s approach exploits historical grievances and separatistmovements to destabilize neighbors, contrasting sharply with Saudi effortsto maintain regional stability and unity. He warned that such behaviorrisks fragmenting the Arab bloc at a critical juncture when externalpressures, including from Iran, demand collective resolve.
This personal attack underscores the shift from covert competition to overthostility. Previously, differences over Yemen—where Saudi Arabia backs theinternationally recognized government while the UAE supports southernseparatists like the Southern Transitional Council—remained largely behindclosed doors. However, recent events, including Saudi airstrikes on allegedUAE-linked shipments and the partial withdrawal of Emirati forces fromYemen in early 2026, have brought these frictions into the open.
Al-Tuwaijri’s piece builds on earlier Saudi state media criticisms accusingAbu Dhabi of funding Yemeni separatists to campaign against the kingdom andeven operating secret prisons in southern Yemen. These claims, denied byUAE officials, have fueled nationalist sentiment in Saudi Arabia, with somevoices suggesting retaliatory measures such as airspace or borderrestrictions—though no official actions have followed.
The broader context involves diverging visions for the region. Saudi Arabiaprioritizes preserving unified states and countering Iranian influencethrough traditional coalitions, while the UAE pursues a more pragmatic,economy-driven foreign policy that includes security partnerships withIsrael and support for paramilitary groups in conflict zones like Yemen andSudan. Analysts note that this rift could reshape alliances in the GulfCooperation Council and the Horn of Africa.
Despite the harsh tone, diplomatic channels remain active, with mediationefforts from the United States and other powers aimed at de-escalation. TheUAE has consistently rejected accusations of betrayal or destabilization,insisting its policies seek peace and development rather thanconfrontation. Abu Dhabi has highlighted its withdrawal from Yemen as astep toward reducing tensions.
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The controversy has drawn attention across the Arab world, where publicopinion remains divided. Some view the UAE’s Israel ties as pragmatic in achanging geopolitical landscape, while others see them as a betrayal thatweakens collective Arab positions on Palestine. Al-Tuwaijri’s interventionadds intellectual weight to the Saudi perspective, potentially influencingdomestic discourse in both countries.
As the Gulf states navigate these challenges, the episode illustrates howhistorical alliances can fracture under the weight of ambition andperceived slights. The “Trojan horse” metaphor evokes deep historicalresonance, implying infiltration and subversion from within, and signalsthat reconciliation may require significant concessions from both sides.
Source:https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/prominent-saudi-academic-accuses-uae-being-israels-trojan-horse
Yemen conflict
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