Qatar's emir holds calls with Saudi, UAE leaders over Yemen tensions

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has engaged in diplomatic outreach to de-escalate a growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over Yemen. On Thursday, the Qatari leader held separate phone conversations with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments, bilateral relations, and issues of mutual concern.

Contacts Follow a Major Diplomatic Accusation

The calls come just two days after Saudi Arabia publicly accused the UAE of a grave breach of alliance unity. Riyadh charged that Abu Dhabi was "pushing" the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist force, to carry out military operations along Saudi Arabia's southern border, labeling it a threat to national security. The UAE promptly rejected what it termed "allegations" and stressed its commitment to Saudi security. This public exchange marked one of the most severe diplomatic ruptures between the two Gulf powers in years.

Context of a Rapidly Unfolding Crisis in Yemen

The Saudi-UAE dispute was triggered by the STC's seizure last month of Yemen's eastern Hadramaut and Al-Mahra provinces, which together constitute nearly half of the country's territory. In response, Yemen's internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, canceled its joint defense pact with the UAE and ordered all Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours, declaring a 90-day state of emergency. The STC seeks independence for southern Yemen, a goal rejected by the central government in Riyadh, which insists on preserving the nation's unity.

Qatar's Potential Mediating Role and Regional Implications

Qatar's intervention highlights its renewed diplomatic role in the region following the resolution of the Gulf crisis in 2021. As a neighbor with strong ties to both parties, Doha is positioned to act as a potential mediator to prevent a full-blown crisis within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The stability of the Arabian Peninsula is of critical importance to other regional powers, including Türkiye, which maintains strategic relations with Qatar and has a vested interest in preventing further fragmentation in Yemen and the broader Middle East.