### UAE's Withdrawal from Yemen: A Major Shift Amidst Rising Tensions with Saudi Arabia The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its decision to withdraw its remaining military forces from Yemen, following a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Saudi Arabia. This development marks a significant escalation in the already strained relations between the two Gulf nations, which have been allies in the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthi rebels in Yemen since 2015. The backdrop to this withdrawal includes a recent offensive by UAE-backed separatists in southern Yemen, which has raised alarms in Riyadh regarding its national security. The situation is further complicated by a Saudi airstrike on a shipment linked to the UAE, which Riyadh claimed was intended for the separatists, a claim the UAE has vehemently denied [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/uae-saudi-arabia-crisis-yemen-houthis-5770456, https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/12/31/uae-to-pull-forces-out-of-yemen-as-24-hour-deadline-set]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Withdrawal Announcement**: The UAE's Ministry of Defence stated that it would pull out its forces, citing operational considerations and safety concerns, following Saudi Arabia's demand for their exit within 24 hours [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/middle-east/uae-to-pull-forces-out-of-yemen-as-24-hour-deadline-set-1927369, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/31/world/uae-forces-yemen-saudi-arabia]. 2. **Saudi Ultimatum**: Saudi Arabia issued a strong warning, labeling its national security as a "red line" and demanding the UAE cease support for any groups in Yemen, particularly the Southern Transitional Council (STC) [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-issues-national-security-warning-as-uae-forces-asked-to-leave-yemen, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3745093-saudi-arabia-red-lines-escalating-strains-with-uae-over-yemen]. 3. **Military Actions**: The Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes on the Yemeni port of Mukalla, targeting what they claimed were weapons shipments linked to the UAE. This action has been described as an extraordinary breach of trust between the two nations [https://www.tjvnews.com/news/international/uae-pulls-out-of-yemen-as-saudi-airstrikes-and-ultimatums-shatter-gulf-alliance, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/30/saudi-arabia-issues-national-security-warning-as-uae-forces-asked-to-leave-yemen.html]. 4. **Yemen's Response**: In light of the escalating tensions, Yemen's presidential council declared a state of emergency and dissolved its defense pact with the UAE, further complicating the political landscape in the region [https://www.aryanage.com/article/23652/yemen-conflict-deepens-as-uae-decides-to-withdraw-remaining-forces, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3745580-gulf-powers-clash-uae-withdraws-from-yemen-amid-escalating-tensions-with-saudi-arabia]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Military Presence**: The UAE had previously reduced its military presence in Yemen, pulling out most of its forces in 2019, but maintained a limited number to support the Yemeni government against the Houthi rebels [https://www.asiaone.com/world/uae-pull-remaining-forces-yemen-crisis-saudi-arabia]. - **Recent Developments**: The STC, backed by the UAE, has made significant territorial gains in southern Yemen, raising concerns in Saudi Arabia about the stability of its southern border [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/middle-east/uae-to-pull-forces-out-of-yemen-as-24-hour-deadline-set-1927369, https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/uae-says-it-ends-mission-of-remaining-forces-in-yemen-voluntarily-ws-l-19809056.htm]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the UAE's Withdrawal The UAE's decision to withdraw its forces from Yemen signifies a critical juncture in Gulf relations, particularly between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 1. **Increased Tensions**: The ultimatum and subsequent military actions have highlighted a deepening rift between the two nations, which could have broader implications for regional stability [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/12/31/uae-to-pull-forces-out-of-yemen-as-24-hour-deadline-set, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3745580-gulf-powers-clash-uae-withdraws-from-yemen-amid-escalating-tensions-with-saudi-arabia]. 2. **Political Uncertainty**: The dissolution of the defense pact and the declaration of a state of emergency in Yemen could lead to further fragmentation of the Yemeni government and complicate ongoing peace negotiations with the Houthi rebels [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/yemen-declares-state-of-emergency-as-separatist-conflict-flares, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3745580-gulf-powers-clash-uae-withdraws-from-yemen-amid-escalating-tensions-with-saudi-arabia]. 3. **Future of Gulf Cooperation**: The situation raises questions about the future of cooperation within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the effectiveness of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/30/saudi-arabia-issues-national-security-warning-as-uae-forces-asked-to-leave-yemen.html, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3745580-gulf-powers-clash-uae-withdraws-from-yemen-amid-escalating-tensions-with-saudi-arabia]. In summary, the UAE's withdrawal from Yemen is not just a military maneuver but a reflection of shifting alliances and the complexities of regional geopolitics.