Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), long seen as close partners in the Gulf region, have increasingly diverged in their strategic priorities, leading to open tensions in recent years. What began as subtle competition over economic influence and foreign policy has escalated into proxy confrontations, particularly in Yemen and Sudan, as both nations vie for regional dominance amid a shifting Middle East landscape.

This rift, often described as a "cold war" between the two oil-rich monarchies, reflects deeper ideological and practical differences: Saudi Arabia's emphasis on stability and centralised control versus the UAE's more aggressive support for non-state actors and secessionist movements to expand its influence. By late 2025 and early 2026, these frictions burst into public view, with Saudi airstrikes on UAE-linked assets in Yemen marking a significant escalation.

The Yemen Flashpoint: Separatism vs. Unity

Yemen has emerged as the most visible arena of conflict between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Both countries initially aligned in a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi rebels starting in 2015, but their approaches diverged sharply by 2019. The UAE has backed the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group advocating for southern Yemen's independence, which aligns with Abu Dhabi's strategy of supporting fragmented entities to secure strategic ports and trade routes like the Bab al-Mandab Strait. In contrast, Saudi Arabia prioritises Yemen's territorial unity to protect its southern border and prevent instability from spilling over.

Tensions peaked in December 2025 when the STC launched an offensive, seizing oil-rich provinces like Hadramawt and al-Mahra near the Saudi border. Riyadh responded with airstrikes on a UAE weapons shipment at the port of Mukalla on 30 December 2025, accusing Abu Dhabi of undermining Yemen's political process and fragmenting the anti-Houthi front. Saudi officials viewed this as a direct threat to national security, leading to demands for the UAE's withdrawal from Yemen within 24 hours.

Why Iran’s Unrest Terrifies Saudi Arabia More Than Any External Enemy

The UAE announced a "voluntary" pullout shortly after, but analysts suggest this was a face-saving measure following the strikes, which destroyed military equipment and highlighted Riyadh's resolve. This incident not only exposed mutual distrust but also underscored ideological divides, with Saudi Arabia alarmed by the UAE's perceived promotion of separatism that could benefit Iranian-backed Houthis in the long term.

Sudan and the Horn of Africa: Proxy Wars and Resource Control

Beyond Yemen, the rivalry extends to Sudan, where the two Gulf powers support opposing sides in the ongoing civil war. Saudi Arabia backs the........

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