Title: Saudi Arabia’s Countermove Against UAE Influence in the Red Sea Region In recent times, tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have escalated significantly, with Riyadh expressing concern over what it perceives as Abu Dhabi’s aggressive moves. This has led to a strategic shift by Saudi Arabia, aiming to counteract the UAE’s influence in the Red Sea region and beyond. Historically, both countries have been allies within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), sharing similar political ideologies and economic interests. However, recent years have seen a rift between them, with Saudi Arabia feeling threatened by the UAE’s growing presence and influence in Yemen and other parts of the Red Sea region. This has prompted Riyadh to take proactive measures to protect its own interests and maintain regional stability. The potential implications of this power struggle are significant for both countries, as well as the broader Middle East region. For Saudi Arabia, it means reasserting itself as a dominant player in the Red Sea area by strengthening ties with other GCC members and fostering new alliances. This could lead to increased military cooperation, economic integration, and political coordination among these nations. On the other hand, the UAE may find its influence diminished if it fails to address Saudi Arabia’s concerns effectively. It will need to balance its ambitions with maintaining good relations within the GCC while also ensuring that its strategic interests are not compromised in any negotiations or agreements made between Riyadh and other regional powers. From an external perspective, this power struggle has implications for global players such as the United States, China, and Russia who have vested interests in maintaining stability in the Middle East. They will need to navigate these shifting alliances carefully while ensuring that their own strategic objectives are met without causing further instability or conflict in the region. In conclusion, this power struggle between Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights the complexities of regional politics in the Middle East. As both countries strive for dominance in the Red Sea area, it is crucial to monitor how these developments affect not only their own interests but also those of other nations involved in the region. Only time will tell if this rivalry leads to lasting changes or if diplomacy can prevail and restore balance within the GCC.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/20/saudi-arabia-uae-yemen-red-sea/)
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