UAE Statement On Yemen Developments Emphasises De-Escalation And Saudi Coordination

The United Arab Emirates states that recent comments from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contain major factual errors about the UAE’s conduct in Yemen. The UAE rejects any claims that it contributed to tensions among Yemeni groups, or directed any party to carry out attacks that threaten Saudi security or its borders, and says such accusations misrepresent its role.

Responding to the Coalition Forces’ military spokesperson, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejects statements about a military operation at the Port of Mukalla. The Ministry says the statement, which implied the UAE was intensifying the Yemeni conflict, was issued without consulting Coalition partners and does not align with agreed coordination mechanisms between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE reiterates that it remains committed to the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider region. It stresses respect for Saudi sovereignty and national security, and states that the long-standing fraternal relationship between both states is seen as a key pillar of regional stability, supported by ongoing full coordination on Yemen-related issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that the UAE’s military and security presence in Yemen follows an invitation from the legitimate Yemeni government, and operates within the Saudi-led Arab Coalition framework. Its stated goals include supporting the restoration of Yemeni state institutions and countering terrorism, while maintaining respect for Yemeni sovereignty and working alongside Yemeni forces on the ground.

Regarding the Port of Mukalla shipment, the Ministry says the consignment contained no weapons. According to the UAE, vehicles unloaded at the port were not allocated to any Yemeni faction but were destined for UAE units already operating in Yemen. The Ministry says there was prior high-level coordination with Saudi Arabia and an understanding that the vehicles would not be moved outside the port area.

The UAE reports surprise at the targeting of these vehicles at the Port of Mukalla, given this coordination. Officials argue that public allegations about the shipment’s purpose do not match the agreed plans or the shipment’s actual nature. These events, the Ministry says, raise questions about how the issue was handled and how associated risks were evaluated within Coalition structures at a sensitive time for regional security.

Regional security, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen

The UAE underlines that, from the start of recent events in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah, its approach has focused on containing tensions, backing de-escalation, and encouraging understandings among local actors. These efforts, according to the UAE, have aimed to maintain security, protect civilians and support stability, while coordinating closely with Saudi Arabia on military and political moves.

The Ministry notes that the UAE has incurred substantial sacrifices since Coalition operations began and has maintained support for the Yemeni population at different stages of the conflict. Current developments, it says, require maximum coordination, restraint and careful judgement among partners, especially in light of threats from groups such as Al Qaeda, the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood, within wider international counterterrorism efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that dealing with recent developments in Yemen should rely on verified facts and existing coordination channels among concerned parties. It calls for responses that avoid escalation, protect shared interests, maintain regional security and stability, and continue to support the political process aimed at ending the Yemeni crisis through a negotiated settlement.

With inputs from WAM