ISLAMABAD: A former member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has sparked widespread debate by accusing the United Arab Emirates of harbouring deep jealousy toward the Kingdom and pursuing actions aimed at undermining its strength.
Dr Ahmed bin Othman Altuwaijri, a prominent academic and former dean at King Saud University, made the remarks in recent public statements and interviews, framing them within a broader critique of UAE foreign policy.
In viral clips circulating on social media platforms, Altuwaijri stated that the United Arab Emirates is jealous of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed is doing everything he can to destroy Saudi Arabia because it is stronger than his country.
The comments reflect escalating rhetoric in an ongoing narrative war between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, two once-close allies now divided over regional influence, economic priorities and strategic partnerships.
Altuwaijri’s most detailed criticisms appeared in a January 2026 article published in the Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah, where he described the UAE as acting as Israel’s Trojan horse in the Arab world.
He argued that Abu Dhabi’s leadership, driven by historical grudges, feelings of inferiority and intense envy toward Saudi Arabia’s religious, geopolitical and economic stature, had aligned closely with Israel to counterbalance Riyadh’s dominance.
The article accused the UAE of betraying Arab and Islamic unity by embracing Zionism, claiming such moves aimed to weaken Saudi Arabia and position Abu Dhabi as a leading regional power.
Altuwaijri emphasised that his criticism targeted the leadership in Abu Dhabi, not the Emirati people, whom he described as holding affection, brotherhood and respect from Saudis.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s historical role in supporting the UAE’s independence and unification, contrasting it with what he called repayment through hostile plots disguised as diplomacy.
Observers note that the unusually sharp tone from a figure like Altuwaijri, whose writings require some level of official licence in the Kingdom, signals possible shifts in Saudi public discourse.
The rivalry has roots in divergent visions for the Gulf Cooperation Council and beyond, including differences over Yemen’s conflict where both nations intervened but pursued separate agendas.
Economic competition has intensified as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms accelerate growth, shifting regional financial gravity away from the smaller but diversified UAE economy.
Altuwaijri pointed to specific allegations, including UAE cooperation with Israel in areas like intelligence sharing and regional influence operations, which he said served to destabilise Arab states.
He referenced purported involvement in Gaza and efforts to gain footholds in the Horn of Africa, including control over strategic waterways like Bab al-Mandab.
In follow-up interviews, such as one with Middle East Eye in February 2026, Altuwaijri elaborated that Mohammed bin Zayed never accepted the rapid transfer of economic power toward Saudi Arabia, fueling personal and national jealousy.
He warned that without unified Arab resistance, external influences could exploit divisions, leading to chaos and destruction across the region.
The statements have drawn international attention, with some pro-Israel voices condemning them as antisemitic or conspiratorial, while others view them as part of Saudi Arabia’s pushback against perceived UAE overreach.
Saudi officials have not directly endorsed Altuwaijri’s words, but the article’s publication and subsequent media amplification suggest tolerance for such critiques in official outlets.
Analysts point to broader context, including stalled normalisation talks with Israel conditioned on Palestinian statehood progress, and Saudi Arabia’s alignment with actors opposing certain UAE policies.
The rift extends to proxy dynamics in Sudan, Libya and Somalia, where competing interests have complicated conflict resolution.
Despite public barbs, diplomatic channels remain open, with both sides emphasising shared Gulf security concerns.
Altuwaijri concluded his writings by reaffirming Saudi loyalty to fraternal ties while warning of historical judgment for those pursuing short-sighted revenge.
The episode underscores fragile alliances in a volatile region where personal leadership ambitions and strategic calculations increasingly collide.
As tensions simmer, the Gulf’s future stability may hinge on whether dialogue can overcome accumulated mistrust and envy.