United Arab Emirates withdraws its troops from Yemen and reaffirms its friendship and cooperation with Saudi Arabia
The Emirati Ministry of Defence confirms the withdrawal of troops and expresses its support for the Saudi-led coalition against the rebels
The escalation of tension in recent days between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, due to their differing views on the intervention in Yemen against extremists, has cooled and given way to a statement from the Emirati Foreign Ministry announcing the decision to withdraw deployed troops and commit to dialogue and the stability of the coalition with the Saudis.
Fraternal and historic relations
In a statement issued by the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it is reported that the United Arab Emirates has voluntarily ended the mission of its anti-terrorist units in Yemen, its last remaining military presence in that country. This decision was taken after ‘a thorough assessment’ in light of recent events.
The Foreign Ministry has emphasised its long-term commitment to Saudi security, underlining its ‘full respect for the sovereignty and national security of the kingdom’ and the importance of the ‘fraternal and historic relations’ between the two Gulf powers.
The statement also calls for ‘restraint and wisdom’ in handling the situation to avoid escalation, protect civilians and maintain coordination against terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Following the announcement by the Foreign Ministry, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Mohammed Gargash, reaffirmed the Emirati position of putting wisdom before reaction and prioritising stability over the noise of escalation.
In a post on his official X account, Gargash stated: ‘The UAE's position once again reflects its commitment to calm judgement, responsible leadership and a clear preference for safeguarding regional stability at a time of growing tensions.’
The adviser also noted that the Emirates continues to advocate for reasoned decision-making over emotional responses, and stressed the importance of preserving security and balance in the region.
Combating extremists
It should be remembered that the United Arab Emirates has historically played a key role in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led coalition to combat extremist groups, supporting the Yemeni government.
The Emirates has made it clear that its presence in Yemen was at the invitation of the legitimate government and was in line with regional efforts to restore stability, while respecting Yemeni sovereignty: ‘Since the beginning of the events in the provinces of Hadhramout and Mahra, our position has been focused on containing the situation, supporting efforts to ease tensions and promoting agreements that contribute to preserving security and stability and protecting the civilian population, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.’
Attack on the port of Mukalla
Behind the escalation of tensions in recent hours, which was brought to an end by the UAE Foreign Ministry's statement, lies the bombing by Saudi aircraft of the port of Mukalla in Yemen, after identifying vehicles and weapons that, according to the authorities, had been transported from the United Arab Emirates to the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
Although the Emirates and Saudi Arabia are part of the coalition that has been fighting the Houthi rebels for a decade, whose activity has plunged Yemen into a serious humanitarian and political crisis, their approaches to resolving the crisis may differ and give rise to tensions such as those caused by the bombing of Mukalla.
Thus, while the Riyadh government supports Yemen's central government, which aspires to stability in the south of the country and controls maritime routes, the United Arab Emirates has supported the Southern Transitional Council (STC), an internationally unrecognised secessionist organisation seeking greater autonomy and independence in that region.
Despite their different approaches, episodes such as the bombing of the port of Mukalla by the Saudi air force and the subsequent withdrawal of Emirati troops from the region confirm that both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi share the same goal of stopping the Houthis, Al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood and to end the instability that Yemen represents in the Middle East and, especially, in the Gulf region.