The Escalating Saudi-UAE Rivalry: Implications for the Middle East and Beyond

• The key battleground in the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and UAE is the economic investment and assistance to neighbouring countries.
• The rivalry extends to strategic sectors such as transportation and energy, where both countries seek to enhance their regional influence.
• As both countries compete for dominance across economic, political, and strategic domains, the region faces heightened tensions and uncertainty.

In recent years, the Middle East has become a battleground for escalating geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This rivalry, spanning economic, political, and defence spheres, poses significant implications for the region’s stability and global affairs. Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are vying for dominance, leveraging their economic diversification strategies and regional alliances to secure their positions.

The roots of this rivalry lie in the shifting dynamics of the Middle East, where traditional alliances are being reshaped by emerging geopolitical realities. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have embarked on ambitious economic diversification plans, aiming to reduce their dependence on oil revenues. However, their similar goals and overlapping interests have fueled competition rather than cooperation.

One of the key battlegrounds in this rivalry is economic investment and assistance to neighbouring countries. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have sought to attract nations into their respective spheres of influence through financial incentives and strategic partnerships. This includes agreements with countries like Turkey and Egypt, where both Gulf states have made significant investments to bolster their alliances.

Furthermore, the rivalry extends to strategic sectors such as transportation and energy, where both countries seek to enhance their regional influence. The UAE, with its smaller size but significant economic clout, faces limitations in competing with Saudi Arabia directly. However, it has employed tactics such as withholding rights to Saudi airlines during periods of heightened tension to maintain its strategic position.

From a geopolitical perspective, the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE has also manifested in their divergent foreign policies. While Riyadh has pursued a more nationalist agenda under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi, under President Mohammed bin Zayed, has prioritized cultural and religious inclusivity. These differences have led to varying approaches in conflicts such as the Yemeni crisis and Sudan’s civil strife.

Key differences between UAE and Saudi Arabia on Yemen and Sudan

Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeks to prevent the Houthi rebel movement from gaining control over Yemen completely. The kingdom views Yemen as its strategic backyard and is determined to prevent any regional adversary, from establishing a foothold that could threaten its security. However, despite its involvement in the conflict, Saudi Arabia has found itself mired in a prolonged stalemate, unable to achieve a decisive victory.

On the other hand, the UAE, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has pursued a distinct agenda in Yemen. The UAE has focused on establishing and supporting local militia groups in the south, such as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), to further its interests. This includes gaining control over strategic locations like the port city of Aden and Socotra Island, where the UAE has established a military base. Additionally, the UAE aims to assert itself as a regional powerhouse and an alternative to Qatar’s influence in the Arab world, while also positioning itself as a key player in the global war on terrorism.

The UAE’s support for the RSF in Sudan, contrasted with Saudi Arabia’s alignment with Egypt backing the Sudanese military, has complicated efforts to resolve the Sudanese civil war since April 2023. These differing stances among external actors have added layers of complexity to the conflict, necessitating nuanced diplomatic approaches to foster peace and stability in the region.

In conclusion, the escalating rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE represents a significant challenge to stability in the Middle East. As both countries compete for dominance across economic, political, and strategic domains, the region faces heightened tensions and uncertainty. Addressing these challenges will require careful diplomacy, cooperation, and a commitment to dialogue to prevent further escalation and promote peace and prosperity in the region.

References:

1. https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-uae-saudi-arabia-rivalry-becomes-a-rift/
2. https://abaadstudies.org/en/policy-analysis/topic/60008
3. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/28/analysis-uae-egypt-closer-to-different-sides-in-sudan-conflict

Srijan kumar