MBS, UAE vice president hold key Riyadh talks

UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday as regional tensions continue to rise.

The meeting focused on bilateral ties and developments in the Middle East, according to Saudi state media. The two leaders also reviewed relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Earlier, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman received Sheikh Mansour in Riyadh. The meetings come as Saudi Arabia faces intensified attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, including missile and drone strikes.

The UAE described Sheikh Mansour’s trip as a “fraternal visit” following an invitation from Saudi Arabia. Emirati authorities did not provide further details about the discussions.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking international backing as it responds to the growing Houthi threat. The Houthis have expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and have launched attacks targeting Saudi territory and shipping.

The UAE withdrew its forces from Yemen earlier this year after Saudi Arabia accused Abu Dhabi of supporting a military operation by Yemeni separatists that Riyadh considered a threat to its national security.

The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014. Their recent advances along the Red Sea have weakened forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has carried out numerous airstrikes against Houthi positions in recent days. However, the group has continued to expand its presence in strategic areas.

The Houthi advance around the Bab al-Mandab Strait has raised concerns because the waterway provides an important route for shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Greater Houthi control of the area could also threaten Saudi oil exports that use the route to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

On September 24, Saudi authorities said they intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles after warnings were issued for several areas, including Makkah. The incident followed months of renewed fighting after a long period of relative calm in Yemen.

The escalation has also intensified concerns about regional shipping and energy security as the wider Middle East conflict continues.

The Saudi-UAE talks came shortly after a reported secret meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi.

According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu asked the Emirati president to reject claims that he had warned the Israeli premier about a planned Hamas attack before October 7, 2023.

Netanyahu reportedly sought what one source described as “moral support” during the meeting. Israeli broadcaster KAN reported that the Israeli premier travelled to Abu Dhabi aboard a private aircraft used by senior Israeli officials.

The reported meeting followed a recent report claiming that Sheikh Mohamed had warned Netanyahu about preparations for a major Hamas operation before the October 7 attack. Netanyahu has denied the allegation and threatened legal action against the publication.