Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once close allies in regional security, have seen their relationship deteriorate over the past 14 years. Initially unified against Islamist movements and intervening in Yemen and Qatar, their interests diverged significantly. The UAE reduced its troop presence in Yemen in 2019, backing separatists, while Saudi Arabia continued the fight against Houthis. The UAE's normalization with Israel under the Abraham Accords, which Saudi Arabia did not join, further highlighted their differing diplomatic approaches.