ISLAMABAD: A prominent former member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has launched a sharp critique of the United Arab Emirates, describing it as Israel’s Trojan horse and accusing Abu Dhabi of implementing Israeli ambitions across the Middle East.
Ahmed Altuwaijri, a former academic dean and Shura Council member known for his influential commentary, made the remarks in a recent interview on The David Hearst Podcast, hosted by Middle East Eye’s editor-in-chief.
The statement has intensified discussions on the widening rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two key Gulf powers whose relations have shown signs of strain over regional policies, particularly regarding Israel and broader Arab alliances.
Altuwaijri specifically highlighted the UAE’s close ties with Israel following the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the Emirates and Tel Aviv.
He argued that Abu Dhabi’s interventions in various regional conflicts serve to advance Israel’s long-term objectives, including weakening traditional Arab centers of power.
In the podcast, Altuwaijri asserted that the UAE has positioned itself as a facilitator for Israeli influence within the Arab world, often under the guise of economic and diplomatic cooperation.
He contrasted this approach with Saudi Arabia’s stance, emphasizing that Riyadh maintains a different path focused on preserving Arab sovereignty and Islamic values.
Altuwaijri pointed to historical Saudi support for the Emirates, describing Abu Dhabi as a “small district of Riyadh” in relative terms, underscoring perceived ingratitude amid current tensions.
The former official’s comments extend beyond bilateral rivalry, touching on broader geopolitical realignments in the region.
He stated that Saudi Arabia will continue to strengthen cooperation with Turkey and Pakistan, signaling a deliberate shift toward these partners.
This aligns with recent diplomatic developments, including warmer ties between Riyadh and Ankara under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Saudi Arabia has pursued detente with Iran and enhanced engagement with Turkey, moves that contrast with the UAE’s alignment with Israel and certain Western-backed initiatives.
Observers note that Yemen remains a major fault line in Saudi-UAE relations, where differing strategies have led to friction.
Altuwaijri’s earlier writings, including a January 2026 column in the Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah, echoed similar themes, accusing the UAE of jealousy toward Saudi Arabia’s religious and geopolitical stature.
In that piece, he described the Emirati-Israeli partnership as a betrayal of Arab and Islamic unity, motivated by a desire to counterbalance Riyadh.
The podcast appearance appears to amplify these views, gaining significant traction on social media platforms where clips circulated widely on February 21, 2026.
Multiple accounts shared excerpts emphasizing the Trojan horse metaphor and the reference to continued Saudi work with Turkey and Pakistan.
The timing of Altuwaijri’s remarks coincides with ongoing debates over the future of Gulf cooperation amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia has maintained a cautious distance from full normalization with Israel, insisting on progress toward Palestinian statehood.
In contrast, the UAE has deepened economic, technological, and security ties with Israel, including joint ventures in defense and innovation.
Altuwaijri framed these developments as part of a larger scheme to establish greater Israeli dominance, with the UAE acting as an enabler.
He suggested that Abu Dhabi’s actions aim to weaken major Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, to secure a leading role aligned with Zionist interests.
The former Shura Council member’s background lends weight to his statements; as a former dean at King Saud University, he carries credibility in Saudi intellectual circles.
His allowance to voice such views publicly has sparked speculation about tacit approval from higher authorities in Riyadh, reflecting possible shifts in official narratives.
Analysts interpret this as part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to reshape regional dynamics, pushing back against perceived Israeli-Emirati dominance.
The podcast also addressed related issues, such as Altuwaijri’s denial of antisemitism accusations and his emphasis on Semitic identity.
He defended his critique as rooted in political analysis rather than prejudice, focusing on state actions and alliances.
The controversy underscores deeper divisions within the Gulf Cooperation Council, where unity has been tested by divergent foreign policies.
While economic interdependence remains strong, political and strategic divergences appear to widen.
Altuwaijri’s intervention highlights how domestic voices in Saudi Arabia are increasingly framing the UAE’s Israel ties as a threat to collective Arab interests.
This narrative resonates in parts of the Arab world critical of normalization efforts.
As regional powers navigate these tensions, the implications for Middle East stability remain significant.
Saudi Arabia’s pivot toward Turkey and Pakistan may signal preparations for alternative alliances that prioritize mutual defense and economic cooperation outside the Israel-centric framework.
The former official’s words serve as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of Gulf relations amid broader geopolitical contests.