The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have strongly denied recent reports claiming that they were involved in discussions with the United States about launching a new ground offensive in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement.
The allegations came from international media reports that suggested a new land assault might be in the works. The reported operation would involve Yemeni ground forces pushing along the Red Sea coast toward the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah, with backing from U.S. air power. However, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have firmly rejected these claims, calling them completely false and misleading.
Official Denials from Gulf States
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and a seasoned diplomat, said in a statement that the reports were “wild, unsubstantiated stories” that had no basis in fact. She made it clear that the UAE had not engaged in any talks with U.S. officials about a new military offensive in Yemen.
A Saudi government source, speaking anonymously to regional media, also denied the claims. The source stated that Saudi Arabia is not involved in any discussions about launching a ground campaign in Yemen and is not coordinating with the United States or any other party in this regard. The official emphasized that Riyadh is committed to de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
Both nations have expressed frustration with the continued spread of false information, which they say not only misrepresents their current role in Yemen but also risks undermining ongoing peace efforts in the war-torn country.
Background: A Long, Costly War
The Yemen conflict began in 2014 when Houthi rebels took over the capital city of Sanaa and ousted the internationally recognized government. In 2015, a Saudi-led coalition — which included the UAE — intervened militarily to restore the government and push back the Houthi advance.
The conflict quickly turned into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with thousands of civilians killed, millions displaced, and much of the population facing hunger and disease.
While Saudi Arabia took a leading role in airstrikes and blockades, the UAE was heavily involved on the ground, especially in the southern parts of Yemen and along the strategic Red Sea coastline. However, in 2019, the UAE scaled back its military presence significantly, although it continued to support allied Yemeni militias and political groups.
By 2022, after years of fighting and failed peace attempts, a UN-brokered truce brought a major reduction in hostilities. Although the truce formally ended after six months, the relative calm has mostly held, with diplomacy taking center stage.
New Tensions in the Red Sea
Since late 2023, the conflict has taken a new turn, with the Houthis launching attacks on commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — key global trade corridors. The Houthi leadership said the attacks were in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza war, but the strikes disrupted international shipping and alarmed many nations.
In response, the United States began launching airstrikes against Houthi military infrastructure in early 2024 to protect international vessels. This U.S. campaign has intensified in recent months, raising fears that Yemen could once again become a major battleground.
The recent media reports suggested that Washington was in talks with regional allies, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, to coordinate a new push on the ground — especially targeting the vital port of Hodeidah, which is under Houthi control. But these claims now appear to be unfounded.
A Delicate Peace Process
The denials by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE come at a sensitive time. After years of bloody conflict, Yemen’s warring parties have made limited but meaningful progress toward peace. Oman has played a key role in facilitating indirect talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, while the United Nations continues to call for a comprehensive political solution.
Saudi Arabia has also been working to normalize relations with Iran — the key backer of the Houthi movement — through Chinese-mediated diplomacy. These efforts are seen as vital to ending the war in Yemen, which has often served as a proxy battleground for regional powers.
Any perception that Gulf states are preparing to resume large-scale military action could derail these fragile diplomatic gains. Analysts say that misinformation or exaggerated media reports can quickly reignite tensions and provoke aggressive responses from armed groups on the ground.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Call for Responsible Reporting
Both Gulf governments have urged the media to act responsibly and avoid spreading baseless information. They argue that the current situation requires careful handling, trust-building, and sincere diplomacy — not more rumors of war.
A senior UAE official noted that the country remains focused on supporting Yemen’s reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and long-term stability. “The only way forward for Yemen is through dialogue and political compromise,” the official said.
Saudi Arabia has echoed similar sentiments, saying it will continue to support UN-led peace efforts and work with all Yemeni parties to bring an end to the war. Riyadh also highlighted its recent humanitarian efforts in Yemen, including food aid and infrastructure rebuilding in areas previously affected by conflict.
What Lies Ahead for Yemen?
While the immediate danger of a new ground war appears to have been avoided, Yemen remains on a knife-edge. The humanitarian situation is still dire, and political divisions inside the country remain deep. Armed clashes occasionally erupt in contested regions, and the Houthis continue to exercise control over large parts of northern and western Yemen.
Diplomatic efforts will need sustained support and patience, not only from Yemen’s neighbors but also from international partners like the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations.
As of now, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are standing firm: they want peace in Yemen, not more war.
Australian Travelers Receive Complimentary Meals at Hamad International Airport
