Once the bedrock of regional security, the Gulf powerhouses have witnessed a growing rift in their agendas, spanning from oil production strategies to geopolitical clout.

According to a statement released by the state news agency WAM, recent developments have led to a thorough reassessment of the situation.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government through the coalition it leads. The Saudi cabinet expressed hope that the UAE would cease all military and financial backing of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

This advance marked a significant shift after years of deadlock, with the STC disregarding Saudi warnings and claiming extensive control over the south, including the Hadhramaut region.

The UAE expressed surprise at the airstrike, clarifying that the shipments in question were devoid of weapons and intended for Emirati forces. It emphasized its pursuit of a resolution “that avoids escalation, grounded in reliable facts and existing coordination.”

Why did Saudi Arabia carry out the airstrike?

The UAE said it had been surprised by the airstrike, and that the shipments in question did not contain weapons and were destined for the Emirati forces. But it said it sought a solution “that prevents escalation, based on reliable facts and existing coordination”.