UAE Withdraws Its Remaining Forces from Yemen Amid Rising Tensions with Saudi Arabia

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it is withdrawing its remaining military forces from Yemen. The move, described by Emirati officials as voluntary, comes at a time of growing political and military tension with Saudi Arabia, its long-time regional ally. This decision marks a major turning point in the Yemen conflict and signals a serious strain in relations between two of the most powerful countries in the Gulf.

The UAE’s withdrawal ends its direct military presence in Yemen, which began in 2015 as part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement. Although the UAE had already reduced most of its troops several years ago, it continued to maintain a small number of forces, mainly involved in counterterrorism operations. With this latest step, Abu Dhabi says its mission in Yemen has officially come to an end.

Background: The Yemen War and the Gulf Coalition

The war in Yemen began more than a decade ago and has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Saudi Arabia and the UAE joined forces to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Houthis, who control large parts of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. The Houthis are widely seen as being backed by Iran, a regional rival of both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

At first, Saudi Arabia and the UAE worked closely together. Saudi Arabia focused mainly on airstrikes and border security, while the UAE deployed ground forces and supported local militias, especially in southern Yemen. Over time, however, their goals began to diverge.

The UAE built strong ties with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful group that seeks independence for southern Yemen. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has remained committed to keeping Yemen unified under one central government. This difference has caused repeated friction between the two allies.

What Triggered the Current Crisis

The current crisis escalated after Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes near Yemen’s southern port city of Mukalla. Saudi officials said the strikes targeted shipments they believed were linked to UAE-backed groups and posed a threat to regional security. The UAE denied that the shipments contained weapons and rejected accusations that it was undermining Saudi interests.

Soon after, Yemen’s government announced it was canceling its defense agreement with the UAE and demanded that Emirati forces leave the country. Saudi Arabia publicly supported Yemen’s demand and urged the UAE to withdraw all remaining troops within a very short time frame.

In response, the UAE said it had already decided to end its mission and was withdrawing its remaining forces on its own terms. Emirati officials emphasized that the decision was not made under pressure, but rather as part of a long-planned strategy.

A Serious Rift Between Allies

While both countries are trying to present the situation calmly, analysts say the withdrawal reveals a serious and growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. For years, the two nations have competed quietly over influence in the region, including trade, military power, and political leadership.

In Yemen, this rivalry has become more visible. Saudi Arabia sees the UAE’s support for southern groups as a challenge to its vision for Yemen’s future. The UAE, meanwhile, has focused on securing ports, fighting extremist groups, and building local allies that protect its strategic interests.

The decision to withdraw forces may reduce direct military tension between the two countries in Yemen, but it does not resolve the deeper disagreements that have emerged.

Impact on Yemen

For Yemen, the UAE’s withdrawal creates both risks and uncertainty. On one hand, fewer foreign troops could reduce fighting in some areas. On the other hand, the exit may leave power gaps, especially in the south, where UAE-backed forces have played a key role in security.

The Southern Transitional Council has already rejected demands to weaken its position, raising fears of renewed clashes between southern forces and troops loyal to Yemen’s central government. If fighting increases, civilians are likely to suffer the most.

Humanitarian groups warn that any new instability could worsen an already dire situation. Millions of Yemenis rely on aid for food, water, and medical care. Continued political conflict makes it harder for aid to reach those in need.

Regional and Global Reactions

The international community is watching developments closely. Western governments and the United Nations have repeatedly called for de-escalation in Yemen and for renewed peace talks. Some diplomats hope that the UAE’s withdrawal could encourage broader negotiations, while others worry it may lead to new power struggles on the ground.

For Saudi Arabia, the situation is also delicate. Riyadh has been trying to reduce its military involvement in Yemen and focus on domestic economic reforms. A public dispute with the UAE complicates these efforts and could weaken the coalition’s position against the Houthis.

What Comes Next

It remains unclear how the crisis will unfold. Much depends on how Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen’s local factions manage the transition. If cooperation breaks down completely, Yemen could slide into another phase of conflict, even as the main war shows signs of slowing.

The UAE’s withdrawal is a clear signal that the balance of power in the region is shifting. It highlights how alliances can change when national interests no longer align perfectly. For Yemen, the hope is that this moment leads to dialogue rather than deeper division.

As events continue to develop, one thing is certain:

The decision by the UAE to leave Yemen has reshaped the political landscape, not only in Yemen itself, but across the Gulf region.