Key Points
- Saudi Arabia expresses disappointment over UAE actions linked to the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen
- Riyadh warns that military activity near its southern borders poses a direct threat to national and regional security
- The Kingdom says unapproved arms shipments to Al-Mukalla undermine the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen
- Saudi Arabia declares its national security a “red line” and vows to take all necessary measures against threats
- Riyadh calls for foreign forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours and urges dialogue toward a comprehensive political solution
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed strong concern over recent actions taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Yemen, warning that such steps pose serious risks to Saudi national security as well as to the stability of Yemen and the wider region.
In a statement referencing an earlier announcement issued on December 25, 2025, the ministry said the Kingdom had been working closely with the UAE to contain escalating developments in the Yemeni governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
However, it noted with disappointment what it described as Emirati pressure on forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to carry out military operations near Saudi Arabia’s southern borders.
The statement also referred to concerns raised by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen regarding the movement of ships carrying weapons and armored vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla without obtaining official authorization from the Coalition Joint Forces Command.
Saudi Arabia said these actions are viewed as highly dangerous and inconsistent with the principles upon which the coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government was founded.
According to the ministry, such steps undermine efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in Yemen.
Emphasizing that its national security remains a “red line,” the Kingdom warned that it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralize any threat.
#Statement | Pursuant to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25/12/2025 corresponding to 5/7/1447 regarding the Kingdom’s concerted efforts, working with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, to end and contain the escalatory steps taken by the Southern… pic.twitter.com/lTyU0gLgpf
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) December 30, 2025
At the same time, Riyadh reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, and reiterated its full support for the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government.
The statement acknowledged that the southern issue in Yemen is a legitimate cause with historical and social dimensions, stressing that it can only be resolved through dialogue within a comprehensive political settlement that includes all Yemeni parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.
Saudi Arabia also called on the United Arab Emirates to accept the Yemeni government’s request for all foreign forces to withdraw from the country within 24 hours and to halt any military or financial support to Yemeni factions.
The Kingdom expressed hope that wisdom, brotherhood, good neighborliness, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) solidarity would prevail, allowing for the preservation and strengthening of bilateral relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
Concluding the statement, the ministry said Saudi Arabia remains committed to joint efforts that promote peace, prosperity, and stability across the region.
