ISLAMABAD: A growing online campaign originating from Saudi Arabia isurging citizens and supporters to boycott tourism in the United ArabEmirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of fueling regional instability through itspolicies in conflict zones. The movement, propelled by influential poets,analysts, and accounts perceived as semi-official, claims that spending inUAE destinations directly funds actions harmful to Arab unity and Saudisecurity interests. This development reflects escalating rivalry betweenthe two oil-rich neighbors, once close allies in regional interventions.
The campaign has gained visibility on social media platforms, where usersshare hashtags and messages framing UAE tourism as a channel for financingalleged repression and interference. A prominent Saudi poet publicly statedthat money spent in Emirati cities becomes fuel for destructive activitieselsewhere. Such rhetoric taps into broader frustrations over perceived UAEoverreach in Yemen, where Abu Dhabi backs separatist elements contrary toRiyadh’s unification efforts. Analysts note that these calls, while notformally endorsed by the Saudi government, align with narratives inpro-Riyadh media outlets.
Underlying the boycott appeals are longstanding tensions exacerbated byrecent events. In late 2025, Saudi airstrikes reportedly targeted weaponsshipments linked to UAE-supported groups in Yemen, leading to accusationsof smuggling and betrayal. This incident, along with disputes overinfluence in Sudan and the Red Sea corridor, has fueled perceptions of theUAE as a disruptive force. Saudi commentators argue that Emirati economicsuccess, particularly in tourism, comes at the expense of Gulf solidarity,with Dubai’s attractions drawing visitors away from emerging Saudidestinations like Riyadh and AlUla.
Data from regional tourism sectors underscores the stakes. The UAE welcomedmillions of visitors annually, with tourism contributing significantly toits non-oil GDP, projected to reach substantial figures in recent years. Incontrast, Saudi Arabia has aggressively promoted its Vision 2030 tourismgoals, investing billions in infrastructure and cultural sites to diversifyrevenue. Boycott advocates suggest redirecting Saudi outboundtourism—historically favoring UAE cities—toward domestic alternatives,potentially impacting Emirati hospitality revenues and highlightingcompetitive dynamics within the GCC.
The campaign also extends beyond tourism to broader economic boycotts,including calls to avoid Emirati businesses operating in Saudi Arabia.Groups associated with the International Campaign to Boycott the UAE havelaunched awareness efforts in the Kingdom, citing political, security, andeconomic grievances. These include allegations of UAE interference inneighboring states and alignments seen as favoring external powers overArab consensus. While grassroots in nature, the movement’s reach throughinfluential voices amplifies its potential to influence public sentiment.
Observers point to the absence of official Saudi government statements onthe boycott as a deliberate strategy, allowing deniability while publicpressure builds. This mirrors past unofficial Saudi campaigns against othernations’ products and services during diplomatic spats. In the UAE, tourismauthorities continue to report robust growth, but sustained social mediabacklash could deter some Gulf visitors, particularly from Saudi Arabia,which forms a key demographic for short-haul trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Broader implications for GCC cohesion remain concerning. Despite jointmilitary exercises like Gulf Shield 2026, underlying rivalries overregional leadership persist. Analysts warn that unchecked escalation inrhetoric could strain economic ties, including trade and investment flowsbetween the two economies. Efforts at de-escalation through high-leveltalks have occurred, but incidents in Yemen continue to overshadowdiplomatic channels.
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The boycott calls highlight shifting power dynamics in the Gulf, whereeconomic diversification and foreign policy ambitions increasingly collide.Saudi Arabia’s push for tourism self-reliance positions it as a directcompetitor to the UAE’s established leisure hubs. As the campaign spreads,it risks polarizing public opinion across the region, potentially affectingcross-border travel and business confidence in the short term.
Regional experts emphasize that while social media amplifies these voices,actual economic impact depends on sustained participation. Past boycotts inthe Gulf have shown mixed results, often more symbolic than transformative.Nonetheless, the current wave underscores deep-seated mistrust, driven bygeopolitical divergences that challenge the unity once projected by the GCC.
Source:https://www.newarab.com/news/saudi-social-media-campaign-calls-boycott-emirati-tourism
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