New Delhi: Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have escalated in latest days. Saudi state media has accused the UAE of supporting campaigns within the media that go in opposition to the Kingdom’s pursuits. Reviews emphasised that Riyadh would take needed measures in opposition to any threats to its nationwide safety with out hesitation.
Observers say the rising political pressure goes past superficial disagreements and reveals geopolitical competitors within the area. One query revolves round whether or not very important commerce routes have change into arenas of rivalry between the 2 Gulf neighbours.
Consideration turns to Yemen, a rustic with over 2,000 kilometres of shoreline alongside the Purple Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. This hall handles almost 10 to 12 p.c of worldwide commerce. Management over the Bab al-Mandab strait, which sees business and army vessels, together with Saudi oil tankers, has change into a degree of strategic significance.
The UAE has established a powerful presence within the area. Investments at Berbera port in Somaliland, army bases in Eritrea and services in Yemen constructed by Abu Dhabi in late 2025 present its strategic focus. The UAE’s operations purpose to keep up sturdy management over maritime borders and to help the US’ pursuits in securing worldwide transport lanes. This presence has created a rivalry with Saudi Arabia.
The UAE tried to broaden its affect in Yemen by way of investments, a community of armed forces and army bases. The management of vital ports was meant to offer a bonus in regional waters. The plan, nevertheless, ended when Saudi Arabia, which is supporting the Yemeni authorities, successfully eliminated Emirates from Yemeni ports and many of the nation.
The scenario might be seen on a number of ranges. Aden is Yemen’s pure southern gateway and its stability advantages the nation and the broader area. Somaliland serves as a logistical level that reduces strain on commerce routes and aids native growth. Improved infrastructure and services in each areas can lower piracy, smuggling and extremist exercise.
Bab al-Mandab strait is a worldwide passage. Any disruption impacts commerce, vitality, grain shipments and even maritime insurance coverage. Safety in these routes can not depend on phrases alone and requires financial engagement on either side to stop chaos and the actions of extremist teams, together with the Muslim Brotherhood and jihadist factions.
UAE’s regional enlargement has additionally been linked to Israel, significantly after the 2 international locations restored relations and Tel Aviv recognised Somaliland. Saudi perceives this as a possible alliance aimed toward rising Israeli affect in areas that weren’t historically beneficial. Israel has leveraged the Abraham Accords with the UAE to strengthen its presence on this strategic a part of the world.
Maritime routes are vital for the UAE not as a luxurious however because the spine of financial prosperity. The Emirates positions itself as a bridge between producers and shoppers, markets and alternatives. Any disruption in these routes instantly impacts costs and provide chains. Regional energy dynamics and overlapping pursuits make the scenario more and more complicated.
Regardless of main investments and help for the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen, the UAE didn’t obtain its targets. Saudi Arabia benefited from this consequence. The UAE continues to keep up a army presence in Eritrea and help the Speedy Response Forces in Sudan. Future interventions will rely on how the Abu Dhabi assesses dangers in competitors with Riyadh over maritime routes and regional waters.
Whereas financial overlap exists, Saudi and Emirati pursuits within the Purple Sea are complementary. Each international locations face related threats, together with maritime safety points, arms and drug smuggling, extremist teams, Houthi insurgents and disruptions in commerce. The UAE’s plan within the Purple Sea focusses on stability quite than confrontation.
Saudi Arabia has responded by strengthening army cooperation with Somalia and Egypt. Reviews point out that Riyadh seeks to counter rising UAE affect in Africa. Somalia cancelled safety and port agreements with the UAE, accusing it of violating sovereignty by covertly transporting the Southern Transitional Council’s chief by way of Somaliland. Saudi Arabia and Egypt help Somalia’s unity and condemn Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an impartial state.
Consultants interpret Saudi Arabia’s alliances with Somalia and Egypt as a strategic counter to UAE and Israeli presence. Regional tensions over maritime routes and ports have elevated. Strategic competitors between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, together with new gamers’ involvement, may create unpredictable modifications within the stability of energy within the area.