The tension between Saudi Arabia and the UAE seems to have taken a new turn

Riyadh (Caasimada Online) — Saudi Arabia is reapproaching the United Arab Emirates, months after a major conflict erupted between the two countries over Yemen, as Riyadh faces increasing pressure from the Houthis and rapid changes on the battlefields.

The Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Riyadh on Tuesday, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman.

This was the first visit by a senior Emirati official to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the intense conflict between the two countries over issues including Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia.

The visit comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is trying to re-strengthen its coalition against the Houthis, after the group achieved significant victories in western Yemen this month, and has increased missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia.

Middle East Eye described this shift as Saudi Arabia turning back to the UAE, which has long been its main ally in the Yemen war, as Riyadh seeks additional power to counter the Houthis.

The Conflict Between the Two Alliances

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been on the same side in the Yemen war for years, but the two countries have recently supported different Yemeni forces with varying political interests.

Riyadh has supported the internationally recognized government of Yemen, while Abu Dhabi has maintained close ties with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and other forces fighting in southern Yemen.

The conflict escalated significantly in late 2025, when forces supported by the Emirates advanced into areas near the Saudi border. Riyadh viewed this move as a threat to its security and even targeted a shipment of weapons it claimed was linked to the Emirates.

The Emirates has since withdrawn its troops from Yemen, marking a sign of the deteriorating relationship between the two allies.

However, the situation in Yemen has changed significantly in recent weeks.

The Houthis have launched a large-scale attack in the west of the country, seizing key areas along the Red Sea coast, including the port of Mocha and the island of Perim at the Bab al-Mandab strait. They are also putting pressure on government forces in the Taiz region.

Bab al-Mandab is now particularly important to Saudi Arabia, as it is a crucial route for oil exports and global trade, especially as tensions in the Hormuz Strait have affected regional movement.

What makes the Emirates important again?

Although the Emirates has officially withdrawn its troops from Yemen, it has spent many years training, arming, and supporting powerful forces in the south and west of the country.

Among the forces known as the Giant Brigades, which are considered the most well-trained and well-equipped against the Houthis.

As reported by The Guardian , there is pressure on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to set aside their differences so that those forces can be included in a unified effort to halt the Houthi advance.

This has put Riyadh in a different situation than a few months ago: Saudi Arabia, which wanted to reduce the UAE's influence in Yemen, may now have an interest in working again with Abu Dhabi and the forces it has long supported.

In the Riyadh meeting, Sheikh Mansour and Khalid bin Salman discussed the interests of both countries, how to strengthen cooperation and coordination, and regional conditions. Mansour also spoke with Mohammed bin Salman about the relationship between the two countries and regional developments.

However, so far there has been no official word indicating that the UAE is rejoining the war in Yemen or that Saudi Arabia has formally requested to redeploy troops to the country.

Reuters reported that Riyadh is seeking international support to confront the Houthis, but it has not yet clarified whether that request has been specifically communicated to the UAE.

Mansour's visit thus indicates at least that the two countries are reopening a political channel that had been severely damaged months ago.

If that relationship transforms into a new military cooperation, it could be a significant change in the Yemen conflict, as the Houthis have regained the power to alter the balance of the war and can exert new pressure on Saudi Arabia and the strategic waterway of the Red Sea.