From Bromance to Frenemyship? Regional Implications of the Saudi-UAE Rivalry

In December 2025, tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) escalated in Southern Yemen, marking an unprecedented public confrontation between the two Gulf partners. Triggered by a military offensive by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which advocates South Yemeni secession, Riyadh responded with strong diplomatic and military pressure. Sebastian analyzes the current escalation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and highlights why this rupture of relations will have fundamental implications on regional security and Gulf powerplay.