Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), once regarded as close allies and key partners in Gulf politics, are increasingly showing signs of rivalry and strategic divergence. The growing differences between the two influential Muslim nations have begun to significantly impact West Asian geopolitics, drawing widespread international attention. What was once a strong partnership has gradually evolved into competition and, in recent years, open friction.
The roots of the rift lie largely in the Yemen conflict. In 2015, Saudi Arabia and the UAE jointly launched military operations against Houthi rebels. Over time, however, their objectives diverged, with Saudi Arabia advocating for a unified Yemeni government while the UAE backed separatist groups. Tensions escalated on December 30, 2025, when Saudi airstrikes targeted Yemen’s Mukalla port, reportedly hitting weapons linked to the UAE, highlighting the deepening divide between the two countries.
Beyond Yemen, competition between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi has intensified in economic and diplomatic spheres. The UAE has opposed Saudi Arabia’s stance on oil production, seeking higher output to safeguard its economic interests, while Saudi Arabia has resisted such moves. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s push to turn Riyadh into a regional business hub, including mandates for multinational companies to relocate their regional headquarters from Dubai to the Saudi capital, has further strained relations. Differences are also evident in foreign policy, with the UAE normalising ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, while Saudi Arabia has adopted a cautious approach. The two countries are also reported to be supporting rival factions in Sudan’s civil conflict, underscoring the widening geopolitical rift.