ISLAMABAD – Tensions between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) made global headlines amid disagreements over support for separatist groups in Yemen, and it raised serious questions about Pakistan’s ability to remain neutral if the rift deepens.
Although the situation appeared to ease after Abu Dhabi announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen, analysts caution that the de-escalation may be temporary. Observers believe the underlying strategic, political, and economic divergences between the two long-time allies could lead to renewed tensions in the future.
The latest confrontation came after an airstrike carried out by Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reportedly targeted weapons and military vehicles allegedly supplied by the UAE. Following the strike, Saudi Arabia demanded that the UAE withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours in accordance with a request from the Yemeni government.
UAE rejected the accusations, and announced the withdrawal of its troops, signaling an effort to prevent further escalation.
According to analysts, Saudi Arabia and UAE, once closely aligned on regional issues, have seen their strategic and economic interests diverge over the past several years. What was once a quiet rivalry has increasingly become visible across multiple regional theaters.
UAE has been actively pursuing its economic and geopolitical interests, and on the other hand Saudi Arabia is also attempting to reposition itself as regional political leader and global investment hub, UAE is expanding its influence across Africa and the Red Sea through military, commercial, and diplomatic engagement.
One key example of this divergence was UAE’s decision to join Abraham Accords and formally recognize Tel Aviv. At a time when many Muslim countries were looking to Saudi Arabia for leadership on the issue, the UAE moved ahead independently, underscoring its willingness to chart its own foreign policy path.
International affairs experts argue that the UAE has increasingly challenged Saudi Arabia’s traditional central role in the Gulf and the broader Muslim world.
Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim country, maintains long-standing and friendly relations with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Millions of Pakistani expatriates work in both countries, and remittances from the Gulf remain vital to Pakistan’s economy. Recently, Pakistan also signed a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, further deepening bilateral ties.
While Pakistan is expected to attempt diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions, experts warn that neutrality may become impossible if the dispute escalates. The emergence of the latest tensions coincided with a private visit to Pakistan by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was staying in Rahim Yar Khan.
After recent developments, Pakistan initiated contacts with both countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Rahim Yar Khan, with official statements indicating discussions on bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors.
At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan by phone. Although official statements did not mention Yemen, analysts believe the outreach was aimed at preventing further escalation between the two Gulf allies.
