On December 25, 2025, Saudi Arabia officially requested that Emirati-backed separatists in Yemen withdraw their forces from the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra. This request, made by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry, comes amidst growing tensions within the coalition fighting the Houthi rebels, who control the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has recently increased its military presence in these regions, raising concerns over possible confrontations and destabilization of the coalition's unified efforts. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized that the separatists' actions have caused an unjustified escalation that endangers the interests of the Yemeni people and undermines the southern cause as well as the coalition's objectives. The ministry underscored the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni factions and urged restraint to maintain security and stability. The Council's forces are expected to return to their previous positions outside of the two governorates, and hand over control of camps in that area to the National Shield Forces, which are supported by Saudi Arabia. In Aden, the seat of power for anti-Houthi forces, there were calls for demonstrations in support of the separatists' actions and the desire for South Yemen's secession from the rest of the country. However, the extent to which these demonstrations will take place remains uncertain due to the Saudi announcement. The situation reflects a delicate balance of power between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have been allies while also competing for influence in Yemen and other theaters, including Sudan where violence has escalated. The Houthis, who seized control of Sanaa in September 2014, have been a significant threat to both Saudi and Emirati interests. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions pushed to the brink of famine thanks to years of fighting. Any further destabilization caused by the separatists could prompt increased international involvement, especially from the United States, which has previously conducted military operations in Yemen against Houthi forces, raising concerns about the implications for regional security and stability.

The relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the Yemen conflict have been shaped by a complex interplay of strategic interests, regional dynamics, and efforts to counteract common threats. Both nations intervened in Yemen in 2015 as part of a coalition supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi movement, which is backed by Iran. This military intervention was largely motivated by the desire to restore stability in Yemen, prevent Iranian expansion in the region, and establish a stronger foothold against extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. However, as the conflict has dragged on, differences in priorities and approaches to the war have emerged, revealing underlying tensions between the two Gulf states. Saudi Arabia has primarily focused on achieving military success in restoring the Yemeni government, while the UAE has pursued a more pragmatic strategy, emphasizing the establishment of local governance structures and supporting various factions on the ground, including separatists in southern Yemen. This divergence has led to periods of increased friction, notably in 2019 when clashes erupted between UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council forces and Saudi-supported government forces. Despite these disputes, both countries have recognized the importance of maintaining their alliance and continue to coordinate their efforts, reflecting an understanding that their shared interests outweigh their differences. Negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict have seen Saudi Arabia and the UAE working together, albeit cautiously, to achieve a political solution. Their collaboration has also involved support for the Riyadh Agreement in 2019, which sought to unify the southern Yemeni factions under a shared governance framework. This agreement illustrated their commitment to stabilizing Yemen and highlighted their ability to reconcile their objectives in the face of competing agendas. Additionally, both nations have engaged in humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni population, recognizing the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from the prolonged conflict. Looking ahead, the future of Saudi-UAE relations regarding Yemen will depend significantly on regional developments, including shifting alliances, responses to Iranian influence, and the evolving landscape of local power dynamics. As the conflict continues, the necessity for a coherent strategy that balances military action with diplomatic engagement will remain critical for both countries. While challenges persist, their partnership is likely to evolve as they seek to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical environment while ensuring their national security and regional interests are protected.