People take part in a protest against Saudi Arabia in Aden, Yemen, after an attack on the port of Mukalla. Photograph: EPATuesday’s air strikes in Yemen mark a sharp escalation of the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Tensions between the two Gulf states is good news for the Houthis and a worry for both Washington and Beijing. But the Saudi military action also sends a message to the Emiratis that their strategy of using proxies in regional conflicts may have its limits. It is unwelcome news too for Beijing, which enjoys good relations with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE and has growing investments in each.

Source: The Irish Times January 01, 2026 12:52 UTC