The Saudi V/S UAE Rift :- Gulf Brothers Turned Rivals

Date- 31-12-2025 [Mithun Raula]

Gulf Brothers Turned Rivals: The Saudi–UAE Rift

From Brothers to Rivals The breakdown didn’t happen overnight. While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stood shoulder-to-shoulder when the Yemen war began in 2015, their paths have quietly diverged. Beneath the surface of diplomatic pleasantries, a fierce competition was brewing.

They looked united from the outside, but inside, competition and different goals were pulling them apart.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE fought together in Yemen after the war began in 2015, aiming to defeat the Houthi rebels. They were on the same side and shared the same goal.But slowly, their goals changed.They started the war as partners, but ended up supporting different sides, which created divisions between them.

The Breaking Point: The Problem not staying there

On December 30, 2025, the faultline snapped.

Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s port city of Mukalla, saying the weapons shipment there was illegally linked to the UAE and meant for STC fighters. Saudi Arabia called it a threat to its security, while the UAE denied the claim and said the shipment was legal.

In response, the UAE announced the withdrawal of its remaining forces from Yemen, highlighting the deep mistrust now simmering between the Gulf partners. (Reuters)

Long, Complex Ties Torn by War(From Close Partners to Rivals)

What makes this rupture more dramatic is the length and depth of ties between these two leaders. Saudi Arabia boasts vast military might and holds religious legitimacy in the Muslim world, while the UAE has used its financial strength and global outreach to build influence far from its small borders. (Reuters)

Their split over Yemen reflects a broader divergence in strategies:

 Saudi Arabia wants a centralised, unified Yemen and to secure its southern border. (Reuters)

 The UAE leveraged the STC to protect shipping lanes, fight extremist groups, and gain influence along Yemen’s southern coasts. (The Guardian)

This clash of visions turned former consensus into conflict.

Pakistan’s Role: Balancing Act in Turbulent Times

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Tightrope Perhaps no country is watching this rupture with more anxiety than Pakistan. Islamabad finds itself in an impossible position, squeezed between two of its most critical benefactors.

Amid these tense developments, Pakistan has emerged as a significant diplomatic actor, walking a tightrope between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Strategic Links with Saudi Arabia

Earlier in 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, meaning both countries pledged to support each other against external aggression. This linked Pakistan more closely to Saudi security frameworks and underscored Islamabad’s reliance on Riyadh for economic and defence cooperation. (Wiki)

Business and Brotherhood with the UAE

At the same time, Pakistan maintains deep economic and social ties with the UAE. The UAE is a critical source of remittances, foreign investment, and employment for millions of Pakistani expatriates. Just days ago, Pakistan’s Prime Minister met with the UAE President to reinforce these bonds and promote further cooperation. (The Eco.Times)

Diplomatic Mediation: Pakistan‘s Peace Push

Now, Pakistan is quietly trying to ease the Saudi–UAE tension, urging both sides to return to diplomatic channels rather than allow grievances to escalate further. Islamabad’s strategic priority is to keep both relationships warm, given their economic and security importance. 

This balancing act reflects a broader pattern in Pakistan’s foreign policy: maintaining equidistant engagement with all major Gulf players, avoiding being drawn into any one camp. 🔗

what happens because of This 

This Gulf rupture is not a local feud—it has ripple effects across global markets, security landscapes, and commodity prices.

Markets Shake

Major Gulf stock exchanges reacted quickly. Indices in   Dubai and Abu Dhabi dropped , and Saudi Arabia’s markets also felt pressure as investor confidence wavered amid the geopolitical uncertainty. 

Oil and Commodities 

Oil prices stayed mostly stable for now, but experts warn that ongoing tensions in the Gulf could weaken unity within  OPEC+  and disturb global energy markets. Since the Gulf supplies much of the world’s oil, conflicts between major producers can create long-term problems.

Global Impact - 

Freight and shipping: Yemen’s ports and the nearby Arabian Sea are crucial global trade routes. Escalation threatens shipping  safety and insurance costs.

Investment flows: Middle East tensions  often redirect foreign investment to safer markets, affecting growth in emerging economies linked to Gulf capital.

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What Happens Next.. ? 

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are facing a serious test of their relationship. Their political unity is no longer certain, both in the Yemen conflict and in diplomacy. The world is closely watching to see whether this tension will end peacefully, grow worse, or change Middle East politics.

 Old allies now face mistrust and disagreement.
 Pakistan seeks to mediate while protecting its strategic interests.
 Global markets watch cautiously as commodity flows and regional security hang in the balance.