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PoliticsUAE and Saudi officials signal rapprochement after months of rift
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Top officials from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have publicly signaled a rapprochement after months of tension between the two largest Arab economies. On July 21, Saudi General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh posted a photo of Saudi Defense Minister Khaled bin Salman alongside Emirati Vice President Mansour bin Zayed, calling it a story of brotherly relations and strong partnership. UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash shared the same image, calling it the biggest story in the Gulf. The public falling out began in December when Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of threatening its national security by supporting Yemeni separatists. The two countries have also been at odds over policies in Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and Iran. The apparent mending of ties comes as U.S.-Iran hostilities resumed, triggering renewed Iranian attacks across the Gulf and threats from Houthi allies in Yemen. Media officials from both countries posted coordinated messages praising bilateral relations and calling for responsible media coverage.
Source report
Top officials and ministers in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have recently posted messages of friendship and unity on social media, signalling a rapprochement months after a public fallout between the two largest Arab economies.
On Tuesday (July 21) evening, Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh posted a picture of the kingdom's Defence Minister Khaled bin Salman alongside Emirati Vice President Mansour bin Zayed, which he said was taken a few days ago.
"Saudi Arabia and the UAE: A story of brotherly relations and a strong partnership." — Turki Alalshikh, in a post on X
UAE Presidential Advisor Anwar Gargash also shared the picture, with the caption:
"The biggest story in the Gulf is captured in a single photograph."
Background of the Rift
For months, pundits from both sides had engaged in virulent debate online, with Saudi Arabia also launching a media campaign against its smaller neighbour earlier this year.
The two allies-turned-rivals had a public falling out in December, when the kingdom accused Abu Dhabi of threatening its national security by supporting Yemeni separatists who orchestrated a brief offensive.
The pair have been at odds in their foreign policy across multiple theatres, including:
- Yemen and Sudan
- The Horn of Africa, where they have supported rival forces
Their differences have also spilled over into the Iran conflict. The kingdom backed Pakistani mediation efforts, while the UAE initially took a more hawkish stance on Tehran, prior to the signing of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding last month.
Renewed Tensions and Mending Ties
The apparent mending of ties came as U.S.-Iran hostilities resumed this month, triggering renewed Iranian attacks across the Gulf. Meanwhile, Tehran's Houthi allies in Yemen ramped up pressure by threatening a naval blockade of the kingdom.
Official Statements on Media Responsibility
UAE Chairman of the National Media Authority Abdulla Alhamed and Saudi Media Minister Salman Aldosary posted very similar messages on X on Tuesday (July 21), lauding relations between the two countries and their leaders, while stating that "responsible media" must reflect this bond.
"The role of responsible media is to counter anyone attempting to portray a misleading image of the relationship between the two countries and to ensure accuracy in all published information." — Salman Aldosary, Saudi Media Minister, praising the "wise leadership in both countries"
Source
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UAE and Saudi Officials Signal Rapprochement After Months of Rift