Daijiworld Media Network – Riyadh
Riyadh, Jul 22: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their longstanding relationship, with senior officials from both countries sharing messages highlighting historical bonds and "wise leadership" amid months of reported tensions between the Gulf neighbours.
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary and UAE National Media Authority Chairman Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed posted similar messages on X (formerly Twitter) at the same time on Tuesday, stressing the importance of the countries' shared history and partnership.
"Emirati-Saudi relations are an extension of a shared history and deep-rooted fraternal ties between two brotherly peoples, united by a single destiny," Alhamed wrote.
Al-Dosary said the relationship between the two nations was built on a shared heritage and the leadership of both countries, adding that media coverage should reflect the strength of bilateral ties and avoid actions that could harm them.
The statements come after a period of disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over several issues, including oil production policies, regional geopolitics and the Yemen conflict.
Tensions became more visible following differences over support for opposing sides in Yemen's war, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE backing different factions. The dispute reportedly escalated after a Saudi airstrike on what Riyadh described as a shipment of UAE military equipment meant for a Yemen-based group supported by Abu Dhabi.
The two countries also differed in their approaches to regional issues, including responses to the Iran conflict and energy policies. In May, the UAE announced its withdrawal from OPEC, the oil producers' group largely led by Saudi Arabia.
However, analysts said the disagreements were not a strategic breakdown in relations.
"We have seen worse before, but it was never strategic. What we have in common far outweighs our divergences," said Mohammed Baharoon, director-general of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center.
The renewed emphasis on unity comes as Gulf nations seek closer coordination amid security concerns, including Iranian threats and attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces targeting Red Sea shipping.
Earlier on Tuesday, Turki Alalshikh, a close associate of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, shared a photograph showing Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan together, describing Saudi-UAE ties as "a story of brotherly relations and a deeply rooted partnership."
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash responded to the post by highlighting the importance of unity between the two countries.