January 3, 2026 | Dubai / Sana’a — Dalena Reporters
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, January 3, 2026, issued an urgent call for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue in Yemen as the conflict in the war-torn Arab state intensified, deepening divisions within the coalition fighting to restore national stability and prompting international concern.
In an official statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu Dhabi expressed deep concern over the rapidly evolving crisis following recent military developments in Yemen’s south, where Saudi-backed government forces have recaptured territory previously seized by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) — a separatist group advocating autonomy for southern Yemen.
The UAE statement called on all Yemeni parties to exercise wisdom and restraint, emphasising the importance of prioritising dialogue over armed confrontation in addressing political differences and restoring security and stability to the country. It reaffirmed that de-escalation and constructive dialogue remain the most effective means of resolving the current crisis and achieving lasting peace for Yemen and the broader region.
Abu Dhabi also underlined its longstanding commitment to Yemen’s security and prosperity, stressing that efforts must focus on inclusive political solutions driven by consensus and mutual understanding among Yemen’s diverse factions. The UAE’s call for restraint comes amid heightened tensions that have fractured the previously aligned Gulf coalition seeking to counter the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen’s north.
The underlying crisis stems from the STC’s significant territorial gains last month, including expanded control in the Hadramout province and other southern regions, which triggered a military campaign by Saudi-backed forces to reclaim strategic positions. This intra-coalition rift has strained relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, long-standing partners in the anti-Houthi campaign, and raised fears of further destabilisation.
As fighting continues and diplomatic efforts intensify, the UAE’s appeal for calm reflects growing regional unease about the humanitarian toll of the conflict and its implications for Gulf cooperation and Middle East stability. The call for restraint is aimed at averting broader escalation and encouraging a political process that honours the aspirations of all Yemenis for peace and security.
Developing Situation: Analysts caution that the trajectory of the Yemen crisis will depend on the willingness of local and regional actors to prioritise negotiations over military confrontation, with international stakeholders watching closely for signs of constructive progress or further fragmentation.