Relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have deepened due to the Yemen war, military differences and competition for Gulf leadership. Both the countries, which were once strategic partners, now seem to be moving towards political and economic conflict.
Saudi And UAE Relations: In the politics of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates i.e. UAE have been each other’s most trusted allies for a long time. The dominance of these two Sunni Muslim countries in the Gulf region has always been considered strong. The oil-based economy, monarchical system and shared concern over Iran’s growing influence kept the two countries together for decades. But now the situation seems to be completely changing. Saudi Arabia and UAE are seen standing face to face on the issue of Yemen.
MBS and MBZ were once lovers
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and UAE ruler Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) were once considered the strongest pair in Middle East politics. The two leaders together made strategies against Islamic fundamentalism and the influence of Iran. The friendship between the two countries was at its peak in the early 2010s.
During the Arab Spring of 2011, Saudi Arabia and the UAE formed a common front against Islamist movements. Joint forces were sent to suppress the rebellion in Bahrain. Both countries also played an important role in removing the Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt in 2013. At that time, it was believed that Gulf politics was being decided by the pairing of Saudi and UAE.
Yemen becomes the biggest field of conflict
The rift in relations between the two countries deepened during the Yemen war. Initially Saudi Arabia and the UAE were part of the same coalition in Yemen. Both were aimed at weakening the Houthi rebels and strengthening the government of their choice in Yemen.
But with time the priorities of both started diverging. Saudi Arabia continued to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government, while the UAE began openly supporting separatist groups in southern Yemen. This difference gradually turned into conflict.
Latest incident increased tension
The situation worsened on December 30 when the Saudi Arabia-led coalition launched an airstrike on Yemen’s southern port city of Mukalla. Saudi Arabia claimed that an arms consignment belonging to UAE was targeted in this attack. According to the Saudi Army, this consignment was being used to provide foreign military aid to UAE-backed separatist groups.
UAE completely rejected this claim of Saudi Arabia. The UAE said that the consignment that was attacked was not weapons but supplies and essential items for its army. After this attack, the situation became so tense that the Saudi-backed government of Yemen gave an ultimatum to the UAE army to leave the country within 24 hours.
In response, UAE also announced to withdraw its army from Yemen. The UAE Defense Ministry clearly said that it will also end its remaining military presence in Yemen.
journey from friendship to enmity
Saudi Arabia has been the biggest supporter of UAE since its formation. There has been a deep similarity in the politics, economy and security policies of both the countries. The oil-dependent economy and monarchical system made them natural allies.
Shared concern about Iran also kept the two close. Saudi and UAE have worked together on several occasions to formulate strategies to curb Iran’s influence in the Gulf region. But as the global ambitions of both countries increased, competition also increased.
what is the real reason
Experts believe that the root of enmity between Saudi Arabia and UAE is not just Yemen. The real reason is the competition for leadership in the Gulf region. Both countries now want to move beyond oil-based economy and establish themselves as global hubs. UAE had started this process long ago. Under Vision 2021, Dubai was made a major center of international business and tourism. Today Dubai is a big name in global finance, aviation and trade.
Saudi Arabia is now giving a direct challenge to UAE through Vision 2030. Mega projects like Neom City, Riyadh Air and Jeddah Port are attempts to create a new identity for Saudi Arabia. This is the reason why competition between the two countries is coming out openly.
Stress also increases due to economic decisions
From the year 2021, Saudi Arabia imposed restrictions on some imports coming from the free zone of UAE. This is also considered to be a major reason for the sourness in the relations between the two countries. Saudi Arabia wants multinational companies to set up their regional headquarters in Riyadh, while the UAE has long been the business hub of the region.
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