ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabian state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya on January 18,2026, delivered a stern final warning to the United Arab Emirates, accusingit of continuing incitement, supporting separatist elements, and engagingin smuggling activities three weeks after an earlier caution. The broadcastemphasized that Riyadh reserves the right to undertake all necessarymeasures to safeguard its national interests, marking a significantescalation in the ongoing rift between the two Gulf powers. Thisdevelopment highlights deepening divisions rooted in divergent regionalstrategies, particularly in Yemen.
The tensions trace back to late December 2025, when UAE-backed forces fromthe Southern Transitional Council launched an offensive in southern Yemen,capturing provinces like Hadramout and al-Mahra near the Saudi border.Saudi Arabia viewed these advances as a direct threat to its nationalsecurity, prompting airstrikes on alleged UAE-linked weapons shipments inthe port of Mukalla. The actions exposed long-simmering disagreementswithin the coalition that has fought Yemen’s Houthi rebels since 2015.
A pivotal incident occurred on January 8, 2026, when Saudi authoritiesaccused the UAE of smuggling Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the STC,out of Yemen after he skipped crisis talks in Riyadh and faced treasoncharges. Reports indicate al-Zubaidi fled by boat to Somaliland beforebeing flown to Abu Dhabi under UAE supervision, further fueling Riyadh’sclaims of interference and support for separatists seeking southern Yemeniindependence.
This smuggling allegation intensified the war of words, with Saudi statemedia labeling the UAE’s actions as persistent incitement against thekingdom’s interests. Analysts note that the STC’s push toward Saudi borderscrossed a strategic red line for Riyadh, which prioritizes territorialintegrity and stability along its southern frontier amid ongoing Houthithreats.
Broader regional frictions contribute to the strain, including differingapproaches in Sudan, where Saudi Arabia backs the armed forces while theUAE supports the Rapid Support Forces, and in Somalia, where disputes overagreements and Somaliland recognition have surfaced. These divergencesreflect competing visions for influence in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa,areas critical to trade routes and security.
Saudi Arabia’s response has included demands for UAE forces to withdrawfrom Yemen and support for the internationally recognized government inretaking key areas. The January 18 broadcast from Al Ekhbariya, followingearlier warnings, underscores Riyadh’s impatience, signaling that continuedprovocations could lead to decisive actions to protect sovereignty.
Observers warn that the rift risks fragmenting Gulf unity, withimplications for OPEC coordination, Red Sea security, and countering sharedthreats like extremism. The escalation follows years of quiet competition,now erupting publicly after the Yemen offensive shattered previouscontainment efforts between the allies.
Read Top Stories
The UAE has not issued a direct response to the latest Al Ekhbariyastatement, though earlier denials rejected accusations of weapons smugglingand interference. Diplomatic efforts may yet seek de-escalation, but thetone suggests a challenging path ahead for reconciliation between the twoinfluential Gulf states.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for further confrontations ormediated talks involving regional powers. Riyadh’s firm stance reflects itsdetermination to counter perceived threats from UAE-backed proxies,prioritizing national security in a volatile neighborhood.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/on-saudi-backed-tour-yemeni-officials-accuse-uae-running-secret-prisons-2026-01-19/
Yemen Conflict
ogimageimage-name