UAE x Saudi Arabia sever diplomatic relations in 2026?

The President of the UAE sent a written message to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, inviting him to attend the United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will host in partnership with the Republic of Senegal from December 8-10, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. WAM (Emirates News Agency)

Saudi-UAE dispute extends to banking relations Reuters: Saudi Arabia has imposed controls on financial transfers to the UAE, targeting countries with illicit financial flows and high-risk categories. One of the sources said the move was a "subtle message" to UAE leaders about the importance of maintaining good relations. The Saudi Central Bank has ordered the country's banks to conduct more checks on money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes when settling accounts with the UAE. The two countries have been at odds over oil quotas and geopolitical influence for several years, which has intensified since late last year over support for opposing sides in the Yemeni war. @Farsna - Link

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose relations had been strained, have successively appealed for "solidarity"... Attention is focused on whether this is an attempt to change their image or a sign of improved relations.

Messages and statements between Saudi and Emirati officials reveal the depth of the bilateral relationship Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossari: The relationship between the Kingdom and the UAE is a relationship between two peoples united by a shared history and heritage, and wise leadership in both countries that guides their people according to promising developmental visions. The role of responsible media is to counter anyone who tries to convey a misleading image about the relations between the two countries and to ensure accuracy in what is published about them. Chairman of the National Media Authority in the UAE, Abdullah Al Hamed: The Emirati-Saudi relations are an extension of a shared history and deep-rooted fraternal ties between two brotherly peoples united by a common destiny. This is strengthened by wise leadership in both countries, moving forward in close coordination and with a clear vision towards a future that holds good for our peoples and our region. The role of responsible media is to reflect this reality objectively and to counter any attempts to distort it. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, posted a recent photo of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, commenting: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE: a story of brotherly relations and a firm partnership." The UAE President's Diplomatic Advisor commented on the photo, saying: "Spears, when united, refuse to break; but when separated, they break easily."

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country emphasizes its full support and solidarity with Saudi Arabia to maintain the country's security and stability. These statements come at a time when tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic in the region have increased in recent weeks and Arab countries in the Persian Gulf have repeatedly been targeted by drone and missile attacks by the Iranian government.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We affirm our full solidarity with Saudi Arabia after Iran targeted the tanker "Widian" and we support its security and safety.

Businesses report blocked payments from Saudi Arabia to the UAE, raising fears of worsening ties