Unprecedented Escalation Between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi: Saudi Arabia Signals Deterrent Measures Against the UAE
Saudi Al-Ekhbariya Accuses Abu Dhabi of Destabilizing Southern Yemen, Says “Patience Has Run Out”
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Al-Ekhbariya television channel announced a sharp escalation in its rhetoric toward the United Arab Emirates, affirming that the Kingdom “will not hesitate to take the necessary and deterrent steps and measures” in response to what it described as Emirati actions that directly threaten Saudi national security.
Accusations of Destabilizing Southern Yemen
According to a report aired by the channel, Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of being involved in moves aimed at destabilizing southern Yemen, including the alleged smuggling of Southern Transitional Council (STC) President Aidarous al-Zubaidi out of the city of Aden, as well as providing financial and media support to incite public opinion in the south against Saudi Arabia.
Undermining South–South Dialogue
The report stated that the UAE is behind the organization and financing of protests that have taken place in Aden, which—according to the channel—are intended to derail the planned South–South dialogue set to be held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. It described this as a direct attempt to sabotage the political efforts sponsored by the Kingdom to restore stability in the south.
Media Escalation and Smear Campaigns
Al-Ekhbariya also accused Emirati media platforms of launching a systematic smear campaign against Saudi Arabia by leveling accusations that it supports extremist groups. The channel described this media escalation as “unprecedented” in the nature of relations between the two countries.
Riyadh: We Reserve the Right to Respond
The channel emphasized that the Kingdom views these actions as a direct threat to its national security, stressing that Riyadh reserves the right to respond and to take whatever measures are necessary to protect its interests and national security.
This public escalation comes amid growing tensions in Saudi-Emirati relations against the backdrop of rapidly unfolding political and security developments in southern Yemen, raising fears of a new phase of discord between the two allies.
