Geopolitics · VIDEO
Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates: Alliance against the Houthis and Tensions in Yemen
The advance of the Houthis in Yemen has pushed Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to move closer together, despite deep disagreements over the governance of the country. Military cooperation could be limited by strategic differences and regional rivalries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seek to overcome tensions to address the Houthi threat
- Differences over the governance of Yemen could limit the effectiveness of military cooperation
- The resumption of dialogue between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi marks an attempt to overcome past divisions
- Strategic and ideological differences could complicate the fight against the Houthis
- Fragmentation in Yemen could be exacerbated by rivalries between forces supported by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
Transcript
In Yemen, the rapid advance of Houthi rebels has prompted Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to mend their strained relations. A recent meeting between Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed signals a step towards reconciliation, aiming to strengthen the anti-Houthi coalition.
However, deep strategic differences pose significant challenges. Saudi Arabia supports a unified Yemen under a central government, while the UAE has backed southern separatist groups, such as the Southern Transitional Council, to influence Red Sea trade routes. These differing strategies led to clashes in 2019 and could limit future cooperation.
The UAE may resume funding local militias in southern Yemen but is unlikely to engage directly in the conflict due to the Houthis' advanced attack capabilities. Instead, it may provide logistical and financial support.
Regionally, tensions between Iran and the U.S. and Israel add complexity. Saudi Arabia has sought support from other countries, potentially reducing its dependence on the UAE. Ideological differences, particularly regarding the Islah party linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, further complicate cooperation.
Despite the rapprochement, the Houthis' ability to strike strategic Saudi targets highlights the limitations of current strategies. The future of effective cooperation between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi remains uncertain, with strategic and ideological differences persisting.
In the broader context, the Middle East has seen a surge in missile and drone attacks, prompting Gulf States to review their defense strategies. This situation presents new challenges for businesses operating in the region, particularly in terms of business continuity and disaster recovery.
