The Houthi naval blockade threat against Saudi Arabia led to the publication of solidarity messages between the two Gulf countries. Senior officials from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emphasized their fraternal bonds with simultaneous posts on X on Tuesday.
Saudi Information Minister Salman al-Dosari stated in his post that the relationship between the two countries is based on shared history and heritage. Al-Dosari noted that responsible media must stand against those who try to paint a misleading picture of these relations.
UAE National Media Office Chairman Abdullah Al Hamid, in his assessment made at the same time, said, 'UAE-Saudi relations are an extension of the shared history between two brotherly peoples united by a common destiny.' Al Hamid said these relations are strengthened by wise leadership.
Houthi threat and UAE condemnation
These solidarity messages came after Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree's statement on Monday. Saree had declared a 'maritime navigation ban' against Saudi Arabia, claiming that Riyadh was imposing a blockade on areas under the group's control in Yemen.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the threat in a statement issued on Tuesday evening. The ministry called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which calls for the Houthis to withdraw from areas they control, and Resolution 2722 on the rights and freedoms of navigation in the Red Sea.
The UAE reiterated its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and affirmed its support for everything that protects its security.
Recent disagreements
In recent months, relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have occasionally been strained due to differing approaches on the Yemen file. On December 30, 2025, Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of pushing the dissolved Southern Transitional Council forces in Yemen to conduct military operations in Hadramawt and Mahra governorates.
The UAE denied the accusation and the claim that it sent arms shipments to the separatist council forces, explaining that the shipment in question was for its remaining troops in Yemen and announcing that it had withdrawn those forces.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said in a statement last January that relations with the UAE are 'extremely important and a fundamental element in the region's stability,' but also acknowledged that there are differences of opinion between the two countries on the Yemen file. Bin Farhan stated that the UAE had decided to withdraw from Yemen and that Saudi Arabia would assume responsibility.
Photo sharing and poetic support
About an hour before the solidarity messages, Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh posted a photo on his X account showing Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan together.
Al-Sheikh said the photo was taken a few days ago, adding, 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the story of fraternal relations and deep-rooted partnership.'
UAE President's diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash also reposted the same photo, attaching a line of poetry: 'Spears when gathered resist breaking, but when separated they break one by one.'
The UAE was a member of the coalition formed in 2015 under Saudi leadership to support the Yemeni government against the Houthis, who have controlled many governorates and cities, including the capital Sanaa, since September 2014.
