Saudi Arabia says UAE helped Yemeni separatist leader flee as crisis deepens

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editorJanuary 8, 2026 at 05:40 PM

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Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates of helping Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi flee Yemen after he failed to attend crisis talks in Riyadh on Wednesday. Al-Zubaidi, leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), allegedly traveled from Aden to Abu Dhabi via Somaliland and Somalia under Emirati supervision. This incident has deepened a diplomatic rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who were previously allies in Yemen against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and has accused al-Zubaidi of treason for not attending the talks. Al-Zubaidi's flight undermines the STC's push for southern Yemen's secession and has prompted calls for international sanctions against him.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mogadishu 40% Somaliland 50% Houthis ×260% Riyadh ×260% Presidential Leadership Council ×365% Abu Dhabi ×370% Aden ×370% Southern Transitional Council ×375% United Arab Emirates ×685% Saudi Arabia ×790% Aidarous al-Zubaidi ×790% Yemen ×795%

Keywords

yemen crisis 100% saudi arabia 90% united arab emirates 90% separatist leader 80% aidarous al-zubaidi 80% southern transitional council 70% uae-backed separatists 60% diplomatic row 60% aden 50% internationally recognised government 40%