UAE and Saudi Arabia signal thaw in relations after months of tension
Top officials from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have publicly expressed goodwill towards each other, indicating a possible reconciliation months after a public rift between the two Gulf nations.
On Tuesday evening, Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh posted a photograph on X showing Saudi Defence Minister Khaled bin Salman alongside Emirati Vice President Mansour bin Zayed, claiming it was taken a few days ago. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE: A story of brotherly relations and a strong partnership,' he wrote.
UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash shared the same picture, calling it 'the biggest story in the Gulf.'
The recent amicable gestures come after a period of strained ties. In December, the Saudi government accused Abu Dhabi of threatening its national security by supporting Yemeni separatists who had launched a brief offensive. Since then, the two countries have been at odds over several regional issues, including policies on Yemen, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, where they have backed opposing forces.
Their differences also spilled over into the Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia favoured Pakistani mediation efforts, while the UAE initially took a harder stance on Tehran before the signing of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding last month.
The apparent mending of ties coincides with renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities this month, which triggered Iranian attacks across the Gulf. Meanwhile, Tehran's Houthi allies in Yemen increased pressure by threatening a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia had launched a media campaign against the UAE, and online debates between pundits from both sides had been virulent.
On Tuesday, UAE Chairman of the National Media Authority Abdulla Alhamed and Saudi Media Minister Salman Aldosary posted similar messages on X, praising bilateral relations. Aldosary said the 'role of responsible media is to counter anyone attempting to portray a misleading image of the relationship between the two countries and to ensure accuracy in all published information,' lauding the 'wise leadership in both countries.'
