During Consultations with Abu Dhabi, Oman Hints at Mediatory Role Amid Rising Saudi-UAE Tensions
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, to discuss a range of regional issues. The meeting comes at a highly sensitive time for Yemen, marked by an unprecedented escalation of tension between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Omani minister’s visit to Abu Dhabi takes place amid clear indicators of intensifying friction between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi following recent events in southern Yemen. These military and field shifts have effectively redrawn the map of alliances and influence within the country.
During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasized the strength of the fraternal relations between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. He underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership, reflecting deep historical ties in the face of rapid regional challenges.
Conversely, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement characterized by a carefully measured diplomatic tone. It clearly hinted at the Yemeni crisis without naming it explicitly, noting that consultations covered “a number of developments and issues in the region, and ways to address them in a manner that contributes to efforts aimed at achieving consensus and approaches capable of consolidating the pillars of collective security and regional stability.”
Observers believe that the phrasing adopted by Muscat reflects an Omani desire to keep communication channels open with all parties and to present itself as a balanced regional mediator. This is particularly relevant to the Yemeni file, which is witnessing an unprecedented escalation between the former partners of the Arab Coalition.
According to the Omani statement, both sides emphasized the importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and joint Gulf action. They stressed the continuation of bilateral and collective cooperation programs—a move carrying significant political weight given the risk of a fractured Gulf position due to deepening disagreements over Yemen.
This diplomatic activity coincides with Saudi-UAE tensions reaching a peak following the Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) takeover of Hadhramaut governorate last week. That move was met with an unprecedented Saudi response, including the bombardment of STC positions and the strengthening of the “Nation’s Shield” (Dir’ al-Watan) forces, which have since managed to regain control over most of eastern Yemen.
