Saudi Arabia Calls for Yemeni Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions with UAE
Published 2 January 2026
Highlights
- Saudi Arabia has invited Yemen's southern factions to a dialogue in Riyadh amid escalating tensions with the UAE over Yemen's future.
- The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has declared an independence bid for southern Yemen, intensifying regional conflict.
- Saudi-led coalition airstrikes have targeted STC positions in Hadramawt, resulting in casualties and further straining relations with the UAE.
- The UAE announced the withdrawal of its troops from Yemen, following Saudi Arabia's push against Emirati-backed separatists.
- The Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, is attempting to regain control of key regions like Hadramawt from the STC.
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Rewritten Article
Saudi Arabia Calls for Yemeni Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions with UAE
Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Yemen's southern factions for a dialogue in Riyadh, as tensions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) escalate over the future of Yemen. This development follows a surprise declaration by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) of an independence bid for southern Yemen, a move that has intensified the already complex regional conflict.
Rising Tensions and Independence Bid
The call for dialogue comes after the STC announced a constitution for an independent southern Yemen, a move seen as a declaration of independence. While the feasibility of this declaration remains uncertain, it has undoubtedly heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of whom have historically supported different factions within Yemen's government-held territories.
Military Escalations and Airstrikes
The situation has further deteriorated with Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeting STC positions in the oil-rich Hadramawt province. These strikes, which reportedly killed seven people and injured over 20, have been part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to counter the STC's advances in the region. The STC's push into Hadramawt and neighboring al-Mahra has been met with resistance from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which is attempting to regain control of these strategic areas.
UAE's Strategic Withdrawal
In a significant development, the UAE has announced the withdrawal of its troops from Yemen, following Saudi Arabia's military actions against Emirati-backed separatists. This withdrawal marks a shift in the UAE's involvement in Yemen's civil war, which began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi movement seized control of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sana'a.
The Path Forward
As the conflict continues to evolve, Saudi Arabia's invitation for dialogue in Riyadh aims to bring together all southern factions to discuss potential solutions to the southern cause. The Yemeni government, which issued the invitation, hopes to address the growing divisions and restore stability to the war-torn nation.
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Scenario Analysis
The invitation for dialogue in Riyadh could serve as a pivotal moment in Yemen's ongoing conflict, potentially paving the way for a negotiated settlement among southern factions. However, the success of these talks will largely depend on the willingness of the STC and other groups to engage in meaningful discussions. Should the dialogue fail, the risk of further fragmentation and violence in Yemen remains high, with significant implications for regional stability.
The withdrawal of UAE troops may alter the dynamics on the ground, potentially reducing direct Emirati influence in Yemen. However, it could also embolden the STC to pursue its independence bid more aggressively, leading to further clashes with Saudi-backed forces. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching for any signs of progress or escalation in this complex geopolitical landscape.
Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Yemen's southern factions for a dialogue in Riyadh, as tensions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) escalate over the future of Yemen. This development follows a surprise declaration by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) of an independence bid for southern Yemen, a move that has intensified the already complex regional conflict.
Rising Tensions and Independence Bid
The call for dialogue comes after the STC announced a constitution for an independent southern Yemen, a move seen as a declaration of independence. While the feasibility of this declaration remains uncertain, it has undoubtedly heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of whom have historically supported different factions within Yemen's government-held territories.
Military Escalations and Airstrikes
The situation has further deteriorated with Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeting STC positions in the oil-rich Hadramawt province. These strikes, which reportedly killed seven people and injured over 20, have been part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to counter the STC's advances in the region. The STC's push into Hadramawt and neighboring al-Mahra has been met with resistance from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which is attempting to regain control of these strategic areas.
UAE's Strategic Withdrawal
In a significant development, the UAE has announced the withdrawal of its troops from Yemen, following Saudi Arabia's military actions against Emirati-backed separatists. This withdrawal marks a shift in the UAE's involvement in Yemen's civil war, which began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi movement seized control of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sana'a.
The Path Forward
As the conflict continues to evolve, Saudi Arabia's invitation for dialogue in Riyadh aims to bring together all southern factions to discuss potential solutions to the southern cause. The Yemeni government, which issued the invitation, hopes to address the growing divisions and restore stability to the war-torn nation.
What this might mean
The invitation for dialogue in Riyadh could serve as a pivotal moment in Yemen's ongoing conflict, potentially paving the way for a negotiated settlement among southern factions. However, the success of these talks will largely depend on the willingness of the STC and other groups to engage in meaningful discussions. Should the dialogue fail, the risk of further fragmentation and violence in Yemen remains high, with significant implications for regional stability.
The withdrawal of UAE troops may alter the dynamics on the ground, potentially reducing direct Emirati influence in Yemen. However, it could also embolden the STC to pursue its independence bid more aggressively, leading to further clashes with Saudi-backed forces. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching for any signs of progress or escalation in this complex geopolitical landscape.
