UAE to Pull Forces from Yemen After Saudi Criticism, Deepening Rift Between Gulf Allies

The United Arab Emirates has announced the withdrawal of its remaining military forces from Yemen. This move follows sharp criticism from Saudi Arabia and marks the most serious public rupture between the two Gulf powers since the Yemen conflict began more than a decade ago.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said the decision was made “in light of recent developments”. It confirmed the “termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen,” according to statements carried by the state-run WAM news agency. The announcement came just hours after Saudi Arabia backed a demand from Yemen’s internationally recognised government for Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours.

The escalation follows a Saudi-led airstrike on the southern Yemeni port city of Mukalla on Tuesday, which Riyadh said targeted an Emirati weapons shipment intended for UAE‑backed separatist forces. Saudi officials accused the UAE of enabling recent advances by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group that controls parts of southern Yemen and has long been supported by Abu Dhabi.

Saudi Arabia described the alleged weapons transfer as a “red line,” claiming the shipment included armoured vehicles and other military equipment unloaded from vessels that had switched off their tracking systems before docking in Mukalla.

The UAE has denied the accusations, calling for “restraint and wisdom” while insisting it had not supplied weapons to separatist forces in violation of any agreements.

A Coalition Fractured

The two Gulf states once led a unified coalition against Yemen’s Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran and controls much of northern Yemen. But their interests have increasingly diverged in recent years, particularly over the role of the STC and the future political structure of Yemen.

Tensions reached a breaking point this week when Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council declared a state of emergency and cancelled a defence pact with the UAE, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Emirati forces.

Saudi Arabia’s rare public condemnation of its closest regional partner underscores the severity of the crisis. Analysts say the dispute threatens to reshape alliances across the Gulf and could further destabilise Yemen, where multiple factions already compete for control.

Regional Implications

The UAE’s withdrawal raises questions about the future of counterterrorism operations in southern Yemen, where Emirati forces have played a central role in combating al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The UAE cited concerns about the “safety and effectiveness” of such operations amid the escalating political fallout.

The crisis also risks undermining broader Gulf cooperation at a time when both countries face economic pressures and regional security challenges.

International observers warn that the rift could reignite wider conflict within Yemen, particularly if Saudi- and UAE-backed factions turn their weapons on each other. The STC’s recent territorial gains, including in Mukalla, have already prompted fears of renewed civil war dynamics.

A Developing Situation

As of Wednesday, neither Riyadh nor Abu Dhabi has indicated whether diplomatic efforts are underway to defuse the crisis. Saudi Arabia has not commented on whether it will enforce its 24‑hour deadline, and the UAE has not provided a timeline for the full withdrawal of its forces.

The situation remains fluid, with both governments facing pressure to prevent a complete breakdown in relations while managing their competing interests in Yemen.