Abu Dhabi | December 30, 2025 —
The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday strongly rejected allegations made by Saudi Arabia that two Emirati-linked ships had delivered weapons and military vehicles to separatist forces in Yemen, deepening tensions between two of the Gulf region’s closest allies.
In an official response, the UAE expressed surprise over Saudi-led airstrikes linked to the claims and said the vehicles in question were intended for Emirati forces operating in Yemen. Abu Dhabi maintained that the movements were carried out in coordination with the Saudi-led military coalition and did not violate any joint understandings.
Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement describing the alleged Emirati actions as a threat to the kingdom’s national security. The statement accused the UAE of undertaking what it called “highly dangerous” activities in Yemen, marking a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the two countries.
According to Saudi officials, the Saudi-led coalition conducted “limited” airstrikes near Yemen’s Mukalla port following intelligence assessments related to the alleged shipments. Mukalla is a strategic port city in eastern Yemen and has been a focal point of regional military activity.
The developments come amid growing friction over the role of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group backed by the UAE that has repeatedly challenged Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
🌍 Arab League Calls for Calm
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged immediate de-escalation, warning that rising tensions could further destabilize Yemen and the wider region.
In a post on X, Aboul Gheit expressed deep concern over the situation and called on all Arab states supporting Yemen’s legitimate government to exercise restraint. He emphasized the need to uphold Arab unity and adhere to Arab League resolutions passed in support of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council.
He noted that the crisis has intensified amid the Yemeni government’s failure to adequately address demands raised by the Southern Transitional Council, adding to the country’s already fragile political environment.
