A sharp online confrontation has broken out between pro-Saudi and pro-UAE commentators, exposing deepening divisions over Yemen and the future of the long-standing Gulf partnership. The dispute, playing out across social media platforms, reflects growing frustration among supporters of both sides as political differences spill into the public domain.
The clash centers on conflicting approaches to Yemen’s conflict. Pro-Saudi voices emphasize the need to preserve Yemen’s territorial unity under the internationally recognized government, arguing that fragmentation would prolong instability and benefit rival armed groups. In contrast, pro-UAE commentators defend support for local allies in southern Yemen, portraying it as a pragmatic strategy to combat extremism and secure key maritime routes.
Images, hashtags, and sharply worded posts have fueled the digital battle, with each side accusing the other of undermining regional security. The tone of the exchanges suggests a shift from quiet diplomatic disagreements to more visible and emotive public narratives, aimed at shaping regional and international opinion.
Analysts say the online feud mirrors real-world tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, once seen as tightly aligned partners in Yemen. While both countries remain opposed to the Houthi movement, their priorities increasingly diverge, particularly over the role of southern political and military factions.
The digital dispute also highlights how regional conflicts are now fought on multiple fronts, including cyberspace, where narratives can influence public sentiment and policy debates. As Yemen’s war grinds on with no decisive political settlement, the online confrontation underscores how internal coalition rifts are becoming harder to conceal.
Ultimately, the growing war of words signals that disagreements over Yemen are no longer confined to closed-door negotiations but are reshaping the broader Gulf political discourse.
