Saudi Arabia urged to mend ties with UAE to counter Houthi advance in Yemen

Why This Matters

• The rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE weakens the anti-Houthi front, potentially prolonging Yemen’s civil war and deepening humanitarian suffering.
• A united Gulf coalition is seen as essential to reversing Houthi gains and restoring stability in the region.
• The outcome will affect the broader balance of power in the Arabian Peninsula and relations among Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Background

Yemen has been mired in civil war since 2014, with the Iran-backed Houthi movement controlling the capital Sanaa and large parts of the north. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government. The UAE was a key partner in the coalition, but its backing of the STC – a secessionist group seeking an independent southern state – created tensions with Riyadh. The conflict between Saudi and UAE-backed forces in January marked a major escalation, leading to the UAE’s withdrawal from active involvement.

Key Perspectives

Saudi Arabia: Wants to rebuild a unified military front to halt Houthi advances but must first address the grievances caused by its attack on the STC. United Arab Emirates: Has effectively exited Yemen after its proxy force was defeated; returning would require security guarantees and a revised political strategy from Riyadh. The Houthis: Benefit from the Saudi-UAE split, which weakens the coalition’s military coordination and diverts attention from their own expansion. Critics/Skeptics: Some analysts question whether a reconciliation is feasible given the deep distrust and divergent strategic goals between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in Yemen.

What to Watch

• Whether Saudi Arabia initiates direct talks with UAE officials to negotiate a new framework for cooperation in Yemen.
• Any signs of renewed UAE military support for the STC or other southern factions.
• Potential shifts in Houthi military activity as they exploit the coalition rift.