Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued statements on Tuesday ( 30 December), following the bombing of ships in the Yemeni port of Mukalla.
Saudi Statement
In its statement, Saudi Arabia said it is disappointed by steps taken by the United Arab Emirates to pressure Southern Transitional Council forces to operate near the Kingdom’s borders.
In a statement released Tuesday, it warned that such actions threaten its national security and undermine the foundations of the Arab Coalition in Yemen.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its disappointment by the actions taken by the brotherly United Arab Emirates, pressuring the Southern Transitional Council’s forces to conduct military operations on the southern borders of the Kingdom in the governorates of Hadramout and al-Mahara, which is considered a threat to the Kingdom’s national security and the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and the region,” Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“The steps taken by the UAE are considered highly dangerous, inconsistent with the principles upon which the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen was established, and do not serve the coalition’s purpose of achieving security and stability for Yemen,” the statement added.
The Kingdom said that “any threat to its national security is a red line, and the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralize any such threat.”
The Kingdom also added that it “hopes that wisdom, the principles of brotherhood, good neighborliness, strong ties among countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the interest of brotherly Yemen, will prevail.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia expressed its hope that the United Arab Emirates would take the necessary steps to preserve bilateral relations following the escalation of events in Yemen.
“The Kingdom also hopes that the brotherly United Arab Emirates will take the necessary steps to preserve the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, which the Kingdom is keen on strengthening, and continue joint efforts towards all that leads to the wellbeing, prosperity and stability of countries in the region,” the statement added.
The Kingdom reaffirmed that the only way to achieve a comprehensive political solution in Yemen is through the participation of all parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.
Saudi Arabia urged the UAE to comply with Yemen’s request to withdraw its forces from Yemeni territories within 24 hours.
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi had earlier demanded that UAE forces withdraw from Yemeni territory within 24 hours, announcing a series of escalatory measures amid rising tensions with the Southern Transitional Council.
In a televised address on Tuesday morning, al-Alimi said Yemen “cannot withstand the opening of new fronts of attrition,” adding, “we are strong thanks to the support of the [Arab] Coalition led by Saudi Arabia.”
Two ships arriving from the UAE port of Fujairah entered Mukalla port on Saturday and Sunday without authorization from the coalition, disabled their tracking systems and unloaded large quantities of weapons and combat vehicles “to support the (STC),” according to the spokesperson for the Arab Coalition.
The Arab Coalition in Yemen launched a limited airstrike targeting what it called foreign military support at Mukalla port. The coalition said there were no casualties or collateral damage from the strike at Mukalla port
UAE Statement
In its statement on Tuesday (30 December), the United Arab Emirates expressed concern regarding the statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the fundamental inaccuracies it contains regarding the UAE’s role in the ongoing developments in the Republic of Yemen.
The UAE categorically rejects any attempt to implicate the country in tensions among Yemeni parties and strongly denounces allegations that it exerted pressure on, or issued directives to, any Yemeni party to undertake military operations that would undermine the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or target its borders.
The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its full respect for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and national security, and its rejection of any actions that could threaten the security of the Kingdom or the wider region. The UAE firmly believes that the fraternal and historical relations between the two countries constitute a cornerstone of regional stability, and reaffirms its full coordination with the Kingdom.
The UAE further stresses that since the outset of the developments in the governorates of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah, its position has focused on containing the situation, supporting de-escalation efforts, and promoting understandings to contribute to preserving security and stability and protecting civilians, in full coordination with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With regard to the statement issued by the military spokesperson of the Coalition Forces concerning the military operation at the Port of Mukalla, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms its categorical rejection of claims alleging the fueling of the Yemeni conflict, noting that the referenced statement was issued without consultation with the Coalition member states.
The Ministry confirms that the shipment concerned did not include any weapons, and that the vehicles unloaded were not intended for any Yemeni party, but were shipped for use by UAE forces operating in Yemen. The Ministry stresses that the allegations circulating in this regard do not reflect the nature or purpose of the shipment, and underscores that there was high-level coordination regarding these vehicles between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with an agreement that the vehicles would not leave the port. Nevertheless, the UAE was surprised by the targeting of the vehicles at the Port of Mukalla.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the UAE’s presence in Yemen was at the request of the legitimate Yemeni government and within the framework of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, with the aim of supporting the restoration of legitimacy and combating terrorism, while fully respecting the sovereignty of the Republic of Yemen. The UAE has made significant sacrifices since the launch of Coalition operations and has stood in solidarity with the brotherly Yemeni people at various stages.
The Ministry notes that these developments raise legitimate questions regarding how this issue and its potential repercussions have been addressed, at a time that demands the highest levels of coordination, restraint and wisdom, particularly given the prevailing security challenges and threats posed by terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood, within the framework of international efforts aimed at combating terrorism and extremism and fostering opportunities for de-escalation and stability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that addressing the recent developments must be carried out responsibly and in a manner that prevents escalation, based on verified facts and existing coordination among the concerned parties, in a way that preserves security and stability, safeguards shared interests, and contributes to supporting the political process and bringing an end to the crisis in Yemen.
source:commonspace.eu with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh); the Ministry of Foreign affairs of UAE (Abu Dhabi); al Arabiya TV and agencies
picture: Smoke coming up from the Port of Mukala on 30 December 2025
