Key Takeaways
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE once fought side by side in Yemen.
• They split over different goals: Riyadh saw a security threat, Abu Dhabi backed local groups.
• A Dec. 2025 airstrike in Mukalla exposed the Saudi UAE feud.
• The Southern Transitional Council fell, shaking up Yemen’s fragile balance.
• The split may reshape Gulf politics and regional stability.
Yemen’s long war has drawn in its wealthy neighbors. Yet by late 2025, the Saudi UAE feud burst into view. Saudi Arabia struck in Mukalla, accusing the UAE of arming separatists. After that blow, old tensions rose to the surface.
What Triggered the Saudi UAE Feud
To grasp the Saudi UAE feud, look back to 2015. Saudi Arabia and the UAE led an Arab coalition against Houthi rebels. Riyadh saw the Houthis as an Iranian proxy threatening its border. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi fought Islamist groups in southern Yemen. Although they appeared united, the two states had different aims from day one.
How the Alliance Began
In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition won quick gains. Together, they expelled Houthi forces from Aden and Mukalla. On the surface, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed acted in lockstep. Yet behind closed doors, they disagreed on long-term strategy.
Diverging Goals in Yemen
Saudi Arabia focused on a direct threat from Houthi rocket fire across its border. In contrast, the UAE backed the Southern Transitional Council, a group pushing for southern independence. Over time, Abu Dhabi withdrew troops from front-line posts and poured support into local militias. This shift puzzled and angered Riyadh.
Breaking Point in Mukalla
On December 30, Saudi jets hit a suspected UAE weapons shipment in Mukalla. This raid laid bare the Saudi UAE feud. Riyadh called it a violation of its security. Abu Dhabi saw the strike as a betrayal. The airstrike deepened mistrust and ignited a fierce public clash.
The Fall of the Southern Transitional Council
Under UAE backing, the STC had seized two provinces in early December. Saudi forces responded by retaking those areas within days. Then they pushed for the STC’s ouster from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council. On January 7, 2026, STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi fled the country. Reportedly, the STC disbanded soon after. Thus ended years of UAE sway over southern Yemen.
Regional Powers and Shifting Alliances
The Saudi UAE feud shows how Gulf politics evolve. In 2017, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi jointly isolated Qatar. Yet after that, the UAE hesitated to mend ties with Doha as much as Saudi Arabia did. The feud in Yemen marks another rift in their once-tight partnership.
Economic Rivalry and a New Race
Beyond military moves, the feud plays out in business. Saudi Arabia now demands that foreign firms set up regional hubs within its borders. This policy poses a challenge to Dubai’s role as a global trade center. Additionally, both kingdoms compete in sectors like tourism, entertainment, and artificial intelligence.
What This Means for Yemen and Beyond
Yemen already suffers from a brutal decade of war. The collapse of the UAE-backed STC could reignite local fighting. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE may now pursue separate agendas across the Middle East. Their split risks further fragmentation in an already volatile region.
Possible Paths Forward
Despite their feud, both sides have reasons to cool tensions. Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE wants a full-blown breakdown of Gulf cooperation. An off-ramp could involve new talks under Gulf Cooperation Council auspices. Yet their leaders show little appetite for compromise so far.
Looking Ahead
The Saudi UAE feud in Yemen could foreshadow deeper Gulf divisions. With other hot spots in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, regional order hangs in the balance. As outside powers watch, the Gulf’s two biggest states must weigh the cost of further conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Saudi UAE feud begin?
The feud traces back to diverging aims in Yemen. Saudi Arabia focused on countering Houthi threats. The UAE backed local southern groups seeking autonomy. Tensions grew after Abu Dhabi shifted its military role in 2019.
Why did Saudi Arabia strike in Mukalla?
Saudi officials claimed the UAE sent weapons to the Southern Transitional Council. On December 30, 2025, Saudi jets bombed a suspected arms shipment. They viewed it as a direct threat to their security.
What happens now in Yemen?
With the STC disbanded and its leader exiled, Yemen’s south faces a power vacuum. Saudi-aligned forces may try to fill it. Yet local fighters and communities worry about renewed clashes.
Could the Saudi UAE feud spark wider Gulf conflict?
Possibly. Their split weakens Gulf unity. It may hamper cooperation on security and economic plans. However, both sides prefer to avoid outright confrontation. They might seek discreet ways to ease tensions.