The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have rekindled their cooperative efforts to counter the advance of Houthi rebels in Yemen, amid increasing regional security concerns and humanitarian challenges. The UAE has agreed to resume financial support for Yemeni government forces, while Saudi Arabia has committed to providing air support to the anti-Houthi coalition. This renewed partnership comes in response to significant Houthi military progress, which has intensified attacks across the region.
This development marks a potential thaw in relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have previously disagreed over Yemen’s political future and the influence of southern separatist forces. The UAE had withdrawn from Yemen in January, having initially supported several southern military units, including the Giant Brigades. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has faced numerous drone and missile assaults attributed to the Houthis, with targets including airports and energy infrastructure.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has launched a counteroffensive to reclaim territory, focusing on strategic locations such as areas near Marib and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. However, their progress has been limited, highlighting the challenges of reversing Houthi gains. The conflict has also seen escalations in Aden, where a Houthi missile strike narrowly missed the city’s airport as a passenger plane was preparing for takeoff. This attack followed another strike on a presidential palace, resulting in at least five deaths and 16 injuries.
The ongoing conflict has heightened concerns over regional security, prompting discussions of possible defensive measures. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has indicated that Egypt could intervene to protect Saudi Arabia, while the United Kingdom is evaluating requests for additional military assistance.
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to worsen, with the United Nations reporting that more than 200,000 people have been displaced since August. This situation has placed increasing pressure on humanitarian organizations operating in the region, as the need for support grows amid the prolonged conflict.