Saudi Crown Prince Sends Letter to UAE Over Yemen and Sudan

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, long seen as close Gulf allies, are facing growing tensions after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally raised complaints over Sudan and Yemen in a detailed letter addressed to UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed.

Riyadh’s Complaints Over Sudan and Yemen

According to US and Western officials familiar with the matter, the letter — sent several weeks ago — presented an extensive list of Saudi concerns regarding Emirati policies. It stated that Riyadh could no longer “tolerate” Sudan’s civil war while accusing the UAE of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The correspondence also defended Saudi Arabia’s military intervention in Yemen, describing it as essential for the kingdom’s national security. The letter reaffirmed that Riyadh considers Yemen its sphere of influence and intends to take “responsibility” for stabilising the war-torn country along its southern border.

Tensions escalated in December when Saudi Arabia targeted Emirati-backed secessionist forces in southern Yemen. Riyadh bombed what it described as an Emirati weapons shipment at the port of Mukalla and subsequently provided air support and intelligence to Yemen’s internationally recognised government in efforts to push out the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

A “Red Line” and Covert Operations

In the letter, the crown prince reportedly described the UAE’s decision to send military aid to the STC without Saudi approval as a “red line.” The correspondence further criticised Abu Dhabi for orchestrating a covert operation in early January to extract former STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi from Yemen after he faced high treason charges.

The letter also expressed shock at what Saudi officials viewed as Emirati suspicions that Riyadh had encouraged Washington to impose sanctions on the UAE. US officials assessed that the unsigned document originated from Mohammed bin Salman, and Saudi Arabia shared the contents with the United States.

Washington’s Quiet Mediation Role

The Trump administration has remained largely restrained in public comments about the dispute between its two Gulf allies. However, President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time this week that a rift exists, telling reporters: “They do indeed have a rift,” and suggesting he could “get it settled very easily.”

Western officials indicated that the letter appeared crafted with Washington in mind, detailing Saudi grievances while emphasising “brotherly ties” between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. When approached about possible behind-the-scenes US mediation, the UAE reportedly showed little enthusiasm.

The letter proposed mediation through Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, the crown prince’s brother and close adviser — underscoring that efforts to resolve the dispute may unfold at the highest familial levels on both sides.

Spotlight on Tahnoon bin Zayed

The episode highlights the central role of Tahnoon bin Zayed in Emirati foreign and security policy. As national security advisor and a key member of the “Bani Fatima” — sons of UAE founder Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan — Tahnoon wields significant influence. He oversees roughly $1 trillion in Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth assets and frequently conducts shuttle diplomacy on behalf of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed.

US and Arab officials describe Tahnoon as more pragmatic than his brother, noting his leadership in restoring ties with Qatar following the 2017 Gulf blockade. Nevertheless, the latest exchange suggests that managing Saudi-Emirati tensions will require delicate diplomacy within ruling circles on both sides.