The United Arab Emirates has publicly appealed for calm in the volatile region following military action by its neighbour and ally, Saudi Arabia. The UAE's Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasising the need for 'restraint and wisdom' after the Saudi kingdom conducted a series of airstrikes on Yemen.
Saudi Airstrikes Target Strategic Yemeni Port
The focal point of the recent escalation is the port city of Mukalla, located in Yemen's Hadhramaut province. Saudi Arabia launched these aerial attacks on 30 December 2025. The kingdom's justification for the strikes was a firm assertion that the port was being used to ship armoured vehicles and weapons into the region. Saudi authorities directly claimed that these military supplies originated from the United Arab Emirates.
UAE's Diplomatic Response and Regional Implications
In response to the military action and the accompanying allegations, the UAE Foreign Ministry released its carefully worded statement. While not explicitly condemning Saudi Arabia, the call for restraint and wisdom marks a notable public divergence in approach between the two Gulf powers, who have historically been close partners, particularly in the context of the long-running Yemen conflict.
The situation highlights the complex and often fragile alliances in the Middle East. The incident at Mukalla port raises immediate questions:
- The accuracy of Saudi Arabia's intelligence regarding the origin of the weapons.
- The potential impact on the broader war effort and humanitarian situation in Yemen.
- The future coordination between Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Yemeni policy.
Looking Ahead: A Test for Gulf Unity
This event, dated 30 December 2025, serves as a significant test for diplomatic relations within the Gulf Cooperation Council. The UAE's public statement is a clear diplomatic signal aimed at de-escalation. Observers will now watch closely to see if this leads to private negotiations or further public disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. The stability of Yemen and the surrounding region may well depend on the outcome of this latest friction.
