American Institute Reveals: Abu Dhabi Sought to Dominate Yemen Alone, Dispute with Riyadh Erupted from the South
U.S. Research Center Confirms Emirati Ambitions in Yemen Ignited a Latent Conflict with Saudi Arabia Extending Across the Entire Region
NYN | Reports and Analyses
A U.S. research and studies center has revealed new details regarding the roots of the escalating dispute between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, affirming that the conflict between the two sides underwent a qualitative shift after the confrontation that broke out in southern Yemen, effectively ending the phase of their unspoken understanding.
An Emirati Plan for Sole Control over Yemen
The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research explained that Abu Dhabi had been planning to monopolize the Yemen file at the expense of its partner in the coalition, as part of efforts to entrench its political and military influence. However, it was taken by surprise by what was described as a “violent” Saudi reaction, which led to the explosion of the long-simmering dispute between the two sides.
Riyadh Tips the Balance and Opens the Door to Open Conflict
The head of the Africa team at the institute’s “Critical Threats” Project said that Saudi Arabia quickly managed to tip the balance in its favor in the confrontation. He noted that this development is not confined to the Yemeni arena, but opens the door to a long-term spiral of conflict between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi extending to several regional theaters.
From a Conflict of Interests to a Personal Confrontation
According to the U.S. research center, the disagreement between Saudi Arabia and the UAE is no longer merely a conflict over interests or influence, but has transformed into a personal confrontation between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, amid what the report described as an “older brother complex” within the Gulf leadership equation.
Emirati and Saudi Anxieties over a Leadership Struggle
In the same context, the report quoted Abdullah Abdulkhaleq, an adviser to Mohammed bin Zayed, as saying that the Saudis view the UAE as the foremost challenge to their leadership in the Gulf and the region. This, he said, fuels Riyadh’s concerns and pushes it to adopt more hardline positions toward Abu Dhabi.
