UAE Withdraws from Defense Exhibition in Riyadh Amid Escalating Tensions with Saudi Arabia
Sources to Reuters: Emirati companies exit major military event as political disputes cast a shadow over commercial interests
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Israel’s i24NEWS channel reported, citing two informed sources speaking to Reuters, that a number of Emirati companies have withdrawn from a major defense exhibition hosted by the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from 8 to 12 February. The move reflects escalating political tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and their potential repercussions on economic relations between the two countries.
According to the sources, no official comments have yet been issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Saudi government’s media office regarding the reasons for the withdrawal. It also remains unclear whether the decision applies to all participating Emirati companies or only to some of them.
Political disputes reach the business sector
Observers believe the withdrawal may signal that political disputes between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are beginning to spill over into the economic sphere, particularly following tensions that surfaced publicly last December over developments in the Yemeni file.
The disagreements intensified after the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council seized control of southern areas, followed by Saudi moves and escalation that were viewed as a direct political message regarding the Emirati role in Yemen.
Will military deals between the two sides be affected?
The report quoted two Gulf-based business sources as saying that deals between the two sides have not been significantly affected so far. However, the atmosphere of tension has begun to be felt within the business community, including in the level of participation in joint events—most notably defense exhibitions.
