Explained: What really lies behind the tug of war between Saudi Arabia and the UAE | World News

New Delhi: Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been escalating in recent days. Saudi state media accused the UAE of supporting campaigns in the media that are against the Kingdom’s interests. It was emphasized in the reports that Riyadh would take the necessary measures without hesitation against any threat to its national security.

Observers say the rising political tensions go beyond superficial disagreements and indicate geopolitical competition in the region. One question concerns whether vital trade routes have become areas of competition between the two Gulf neighbors.

Attention is turning to Yemen, a country with more than 2,000 kilometers of coastline along the Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. This corridor handles approximately 10 to 12 percent of global trade. Control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, through which commercial and military ships, including Saudi oil tankers, pass, has become a point of strategic importance.

The UAE has established a strong presence in the region. Investments in the port of Berbera in Somaliland, military bases in Eritrea and facilities in Yemen that Abu Dhabi is building in late 2025 demonstrate its strategic focus. The UAE’s operations are aimed at maintaining strong control over maritime borders and supporting US interests in securing international shipping routes. This presence created competition with Saudi Arabia.

The UAE has sought to expand its influence in Yemen through investments, a network of armed forces and military bases. Control of important ports was aimed at gaining advantage in regional waters. But the plan ended when Saudi Arabia, which backed the Yemeni government, effectively removed Emirates from Yemeni ports and most of the country.

The situation can be examined at several levels. Aden is Yemen’s natural southern gateway, and its stability benefits both the country and the wider region. Somaliland acts as a logistics hub, relieving pressure on trade routes and aiding local development. Improved infrastructure and facilities in both regions can reduce piracy, smuggling and extremist activities.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a global passage. Any disruption affects trade, energy, grain shipments and even marine insurance. Security on these routes cannot rely on words alone and requires the economic involvement of both sides to prevent chaos and the activities of extremist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood and jihadist groups.

The UAE’s regional expansion has also been linked to Israel, especially after the two countries reestablished relations and Tel Aviv recognized Somaliland. The Saudis perceive this as a potential alliance aimed at increasing Israel’s influence in traditionally unfavorable regions. Israel took advantage of the Abraham Accords signed with the UAE to strengthen its presence in this strategic region of the world.

Maritime routes are important to the UAE not as a luxury but as the backbone of economic prosperity. Emirates positions itself as a bridge between producers and consumers, markets and opportunities. Any disruption on these routes directly affects prices and supply chains. Regional power dynamics and overlapping interests make the situation increasingly complex.

Despite major investments and support to the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen, the UAE has failed to achieve its goals. Saudi Arabia benefited from this outcome. The UAE continues to maintain a military presence in Eritrea and support Rapid Response Forces in Sudan. Future interventions will depend on how Abu Dhabi assesses the risks in competing with Riyadh over sea lanes and regional waters.

While economic overlap exists, Saudi and Emirati interests in the Red Sea are complementary. Both countries face similar threats, including maritime security issues, arms and drug smuggling, extremist groups, Houthi rebels and trade disruptions. The UAE’s plan in the Red Sea focuses on stability rather than conflict.

Saudi Arabia responded by strengthening military cooperation with Somalia and Egypt. Reports indicate that Riyadh is trying to counter growing UAE influence in Africa. Somalia canceled security and port agreements with the UAE, accusing it of violating sovereignty by secretly transporting the leader of the Southern Transitional Council through Somaliland. Saudi Arabia and Egypt support Somalia’s unity and condemn Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.

Experts interpret Saudi Arabia’s alliance with Somalia and Egypt as a strategic counter-move against the presence of the UAE and Israel. Regional tensions over sea lanes and ports have increased. The strategic competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and the participation of new actors may create unpredictable changes in the balance of power in the region.