In a significant display of regional solidarity, the United Arab Emirates has expressed its support for Saudi Arabia’s endeavors to enhance security and stability in Yemen. This was articulated by the UAE’s foreign ministry on Friday, emphasizing the nation’s ongoing commitment to fostering peace in the war-torn country.
On December 21, 2025, a drone captured a scene from a rally in Aden, organized by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Yemen's primary separatist faction that enjoys backing from Abu Dhabi. Earlier this month, the STC claimed to have gained extensive control over southern regions, effectively ousting the internationally recognized government supported by Saudi Arabia from its base in Aden.
The statement from the UAE highlighted their "steadfast commitment to supporting all endeavors aimed at strengthening stability and development in Yemen," showcasing a proactive approach to addressing the complex issues facing the nation.
Recently, Saudi Arabia conveyed optimism regarding a potential de-escalation, urging the STC to withdraw its forces from the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra. This comes in the wake of heightened tensions in these areas, where the STC has been asserting its influence.
On December 12, a joint military delegation from Saudi Arabia and the UAE arrived in Aden to engage in discussions focused on alleviating the prevailing tensions. Saudi authorities indicated that these teams were tasked with establishing necessary arrangements to ensure STC forces retreat to their original positions outside Hadramout and Mahra, with efforts to stabilize the situation still underway.
Originally, the STC was part of a Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which intervened in Yemen back in 2015 against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. However, the STC has since shifted its focus, now seeking greater autonomy in the southern regions.
Yemen has been embroiled in civil conflict since 2014, with the Houthis maintaining control over the northern territories, including the capital, Sanaa, after forcing the Saudi-supported government to relocate southward. Historically, Yemen was divided into two separate states until unification in 1990, placed strategically between Saudi Arabia and a crucial maritime route on the Red Sea.
As the situation continues to evolve, it raises important questions: How will the dynamics between the STC and the Saudi-backed government unfold? What role will international players like the UAE continue to play in this ongoing crisis? Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments!
