Saudi Arabia and UAE Reconciliation Key to Defeating Houthis in Yemen 2026

Saudi Arabia is being urged to reconcile with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over Yemen as the price Riyadh must pay to form a military alliance capable of driving the Houthis back. Relations between the two Gulf powers in Yemen, where both had backed anti-Houthi forces, plummeted in January this year when a force aligned with the UAE – the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) – was attacked and defeated by Saudi Arabia in a move intended to squash its attempt to recreate a separate southern state. The UAE subsequently in effect quit Yemen. But the unexpected success in mid-September of the Iran-aligned Houthis’ drive to the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait against pro-government forces has transformed the geopolitics of the region again. The push south defeated the previously UAE-backed National Resistance Forces led by Tareq Saleh, whose front rapidly collapsed.

Why Reconciliation Between Saudi Arabia and UAE Is Critical

The Houthi advance has exposed the fragility of the anti-Houthi coalition. Without a unified front, Saudi Arabia and its allies risk losing control of strategic waterways and allowing Iran to expand its influence. Reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE is now seen as essential to rebuilding a credible military alliance. The future role of the UAE in Yemen was discussed at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and a group of other Arab states, including representatives of Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu reportedly offered to help Saudi Arabia defeat the Houthis, an offer that Riyadh would probably find near impossible to accept, even though Donald Trump has failed to answer the Saudi call for US help in Yemen.

Key Takeaways

• Saudi Arabia and the UAE must reconcile to effectively counter Houthi advances in Yemen.
• The Houthi push towards Bab al-Mandab has shifted regional power dynamics.
• Israeli involvement adds complexity to an already fragile coalition.
• US reluctance to intervene leaves Gulf states seeking alternative alliances.

Geopolitical Shifts After the Houthi Advance

The Houthi success in mid-September, which saw them reach the Bab al-Mandab strait, has fundamentally altered the strategic landscape. This narrow waterway is a chokepoint for global oil shipments, and Houthi control or disruption there could have far-reaching economic consequences. The defeat of the UAE-backed National Resistance Forces led by Tareq Saleh demonstrated the weakness of fragmented opposition. Saudi Arabia, which had previously clashed with the UAE over support for the STC, now faces a common enemy that threatens both nations’ interests. Reconciliation would allow for coordinated military operations, intelligence sharing, and a unified political strategy.

Military and Political Dimensions

Any renewed alliance would need to address the underlying divisions that led to the January fallout. The STC’s ambitions for a separate southern state remain a point of contention. Saudi Arabia’s attempt to squash that attempt alienated the UAE, but the Houthi threat may force both sides to compromise. A joint approach could involve integrating STC forces into a broader anti-Houthi coalition while guaranteeing southern representation in a future Yemeni government. Without such a deal, the Houthis are likely to continue their advance.

Comparative Analysis: Saudi-led Coalition vs. Houthi Forces

The Role of External Powers

The United States, under Donald Trump, has been reluctant to deepen its involvement in Yemen, leaving Saudi Arabia to seek other partners. Israel’s offer of help, while potentially valuable, is politically toxic for Riyadh due to the Palestinian issue and domestic sensitivities. The UAE, with its advanced military and logistical capabilities, remains the most viable partner. However, Abu Dhabi may demand concessions, such as a greater role for southern groups, before re-engaging. Meanwhile, Iran continues to supply the Houthis with weapons and training, prolonging the conflict.

Economic and Strategic Implications

For Saudi Arabia, the Houthi threat is not just military but economic. The kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan depends on stability in the region. Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the past have shown the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. A unified front with the UAE would also reassure global investors and shipping companies that the Bab al-Mandab strait remains open. For the UAE, re-engaging in Yemen could restore its influence but risks entanglement in a quagmire. The calculation is delicate.

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