As Its Influence in Yemen Declines… The UAE Seeks Gulf Intervention to Contain Its Disputes with Saudi Arabia
An unprecedented Emirati move reflects growing concerns over a Saudi strategy aimed at ending Abu Dhabi’s presence in the south, west, and east
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Emirati political moves on Sunday revealed that Abu Dhabi has turned to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in an attempt to defuse its escalating disputes with Saudi Arabia over the Yemeni file, amid diminishing prospects for its return to the Yemeni arena in what was described as a Saudi-led process of “uprooting.”
Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, called for transferring the management of the Yemeni file from a bilateral framework to the umbrella of the GCC, urging an end to what he described as “unilateral handling” of the issue.
Security Justifications and Gulf Stability Concerns
Abdullah justified the call by arguing that the Yemeni crisis constitutes a vital issue that directly affects the security and stability of Gulf states, in an attempt to give the disputes between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh a broader regional dimension.
The Emirati official reaffirmed his country’s adherence to the option of dividing Yemen into a north and a south, while keeping the country under Gulf guardianship—a stance that reflects the consistency of the Emirati vision despite changing political and military realities.
An Unprecedented Request and Striking Timing
This marks the first time the UAE has officially called for GCC intervention in its disputes with Saudi Arabia over Yemen, giving the move—and its timing—particular significance.
Observers note that this step comes amid growing Emirati fears of being completely marginalized, as Saudi Arabia begins implementing a new strategy aimed at ending any Emirati influence in southern, western, and eastern Yemen.
A Last Attempt to Preserve Influence
Analysts believe that the Emirati request reflects a last attempt to retain some degree of influence within the Yemeni landscape through a Gulf framework, after Abu Dhabi’s political and military options have steadily narrowed amid ongoing regional transformations.
