KEY POINTS
- UAE announces withdrawal of remaining counter-terrorism units from Yemen.
- Abu Dhabi reaffirms commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and close coordination with Riyadh.
- Saudi Arabia had expressed strong concern over UAE’s actions in Yemen.
- Riyadh urged UAE to withdraw all foreign forces from Yemen within 24 hours.
- Saudi Arabia stressed GCC solidarity to maintain regional stability.
ABU DHABI/RIYADH: The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units from Yemen, saying the decision was taken after a review of recent developments on the ground.
The decision came after Saudi Arabia expressed strong concern over recent actions by the UAE in Yemen, warning that they posed serious risks to Saudi national security and to the stability of Yemen and the wider region.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to an announcement issued on December 25, 2025, saying the Kingdom had been working closely with the UAE to contain escalating developments in the Yemeni governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara.
In a statement carried by the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE Ministry of Defence said the withdrawal was being carried out in coordination with relevant international partners, ensuring the safety of UAE personnel.
The ministry said the move followed a comprehensive assessment of current conditions and was consistent with the UAE’s broader commitment to regional security and stability.
Abu Dhabi reiterated that the UAE had formally ended its military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing its agreed missions as part of the Arab Coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
Since then, its role had been limited to specialised counter-terrorism teams working alongside international partners, the defence ministry stated.
This statement is issued with reference to the statement made today, Tuesday, 30th December 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates regarding the ongoing developments in the Republic of Yemen, and the facts it outlined concerning the presence of the… pic.twitter.com/EN3kkMbuDa
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) December 30, 2025
The UAE has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015, contributing to efforts to support Yemen’s legitimate government, combat militant groups and promote stability, the statement said.
Saudi Arabia voices concern
Earlier today, Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty.
The UAE said it fully respected Saudi Arabia’s national security and described the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries as a cornerstone of regional stability.
It also stressed its commitment to close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern.
However, Saudi Arabia expressed strong concern over recent actions by the UAE in Yemen, warning that they posed serious risks to Saudi national security and to the stability of Yemen and the wider region.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Kingdom had been working closely with the UAE to contain recent developments in the Yemeni governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara.
The Saudi ministry said it was disappointed by the Emirati pressure on forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to carry out military operations near Saudi Arabia’s southern borders.
Saudi Arabia 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 armoured vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla without obtaining official authorisation from the Coalition Joint Forces Command.
ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Voices Concern over UAE Actions in Yemen, Warns of Security Risks
Saudi Arabia said these actions are viewed as highly dangerous and inconsistent with the principles upon which the coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government was founded.
#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
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, such steps undermine efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in Yemen.
National security ‘red line’ of Saudi Arabia
Emphasising that its national security remains a “red line,” the Kingdom warned that it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralise any threat.
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 Saudi Foreign Ministry 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.
The Foreign Ministry added that Saudi Arabia remained committed to joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity and stability across the region.
