UAE loses control over key Yemen territories in just eight days
In a span of eight days, the UAE lost in Yemen what it had built over eight years: Yemeni government and Saudi forces entered the port city of Aden after decisively defeating UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces. This marks a significant turning point in a region long influenced by the UAE.
For years, the UAE constructed a mini-state in southern Arabia, controlling key locations including Socotra Island, which had been under their influence since 2018. However, in just over a week, they lost control of these assets. Recent events on Socotra highlight a winding down of UAE-funded activities: structures intended for the annual Sheikh Zayed festival are being dismantled, and businesses linked to fishing, tourism, and UAE-based travel agencies are closing. The island is now effectively under Saudi Arabian control alongside local forces loyal to Yemen’s government.
This loss signals a shift in the balance of power across southern Arabia and the wider region. Future developments may impact geopolitical dynamics on the Arabian Peninsula and the ongoing stability of Yemen.
