UAE Denies Sending Weapons to Yemeni Groups

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday denied claims that it had sent weapons to Yemeni separatist groups, following statements by Saudi-led coalition forces that arms linked to Abu Dhabi had been targeted in Yemen.

In a statement posted on X, UAE government spokesperson Afra Al Hameli said the shipment in question did not include any weapons. She added that the vehicles unloaded were not meant for any Yemeni party and that the shipment’s arrival had been coordinated in advance with Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly rejects any statements linking Abu Dhabi to rising tensions between Yemeni groups. The ministry expressed “deep regret” over what it described as inaccurate claims about the UAE’s role in recent events.

The ministry also denied allegations that the UAE pressured or directed any Yemeni faction to carry out military operations that could threaten Saudi Arabia’s security or borders.

Reaffirming its position, the UAE said it remains fully committed to the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and respects the Kingdom’s sovereignty. It stressed that it would reject any actions that could endanger Saudi Arabia or the wider region.

Abu Dhabi also responded to a coalition military statement regarding an operation at Mukalla port, where weapons and combat vehicles were reportedly targeted. The UAE said the announcement was made without consultation with coalition partners and confirmed that there had been prior agreement that the vehicles would not leave the port.

The UAE said its presence in Yemen was at the request of the legitimate Yemeni government and as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, with the aim of restoring stability and combating terrorism, while respecting Yemen’s sovereignty.

The ministry called for calm, coordination and responsible action based on verified information, urging all parties to avoid escalation and support a political solution to the Yemen crisis.