Amid escalating tensions and growing concerns over Houthi advances in Yemen, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their military cooperation to support Yemeni government forces. The UAE has agreed to renew financial support for these forces, while Saudi Arabia has pledged to provide air support to the anti-Houthi coalition.
This commitment marks a potential thaw in relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have been strained due to differing views on Yemen’s political trajectory and the involvement of southern separatist forces. Previously, the UAE withdrew its direct involvement in Yemen, despite having established and funded several southern military factions, such as the Giant Brigades.
The region has faced heightened instability, with Saudi Arabia enduring repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure like airports and energy facilities. Concurrently, Yemen’s internationally recognized government is mounting a counteroffensive to regain strategic areas, including regions near Marib and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, though progress has been limited.
Recent attacks have exacerbated tensions, notably in Aden, where a Houthi missile strike nearly hit the city’s airport as a passenger plane was set to take off. This followed another strike on a presidential palace, resulting in at least five fatalities and 16 injuries.
The renewed cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE comes as the conflict continues to precipitate a severe humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that over 200,000 individuals have been displaced since August, putting further strain on humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
In light of these developments, regional security concerns have escalated. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has suggested that Egypt might take defensive actions to support Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom is contemplating requests for additional military assistance.