The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed serious concern over the statement issued by Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing developments in Yemen and categorically rejected the “fundamentally false facts” related to the role of UAE in it. UAE categorically said that the allegations of inciting tensions between Yemeni parties or pressuring for any military action are completely baseless. It also said that UAE never gave any such instructions which threatened the security of Saudi Arabia or its borders. The Foreign Ministry statement said that UAE is fully committed to the security, sovereignty and national interests of Saudi Arabia and rejects any action that harms regional stability.
The UAE reiterated that its approach since the situation escalated in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah provinces has been focused on de-escalating tensions, protecting civilians, and promoting reconciliation, all in full coordination with Saudi Arabia. Responding to a coalition spokesman’s statement regarding the military action at Mukalla Port, the UAE stated that the statement was issued without consulting coalition member states. The ministry clarified that the consignment contained no weapons, and the vehicles unloaded were not for any Yemeni parties but for the use of UAE forces deployed in Yemen. The UAE stated that despite high-level coordination with Saudi Arabia regarding these vehicles and an agreement that the vehicles would not leave the port, it was surprising that they were targeted at Mukalla Port.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the UAE’s presence in Yemen is at the request of the legitimate Yemeni government and within the framework of the Saudi-led Arab coalition, which aims to restore legitimate rule and combat terrorism. The UAE warned that in the current situation, there remains a serious threat from terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, Houthi rebels, and the Muslim Brotherhood, and restraint, understanding, and high-level coordination are of paramount importance. Finally, the UAE stated that recent developments in the Yemeni crisis must be handled responsibly to prevent further deterioration, maintain regional security, and end the Yemeni crisis through a political solution.