Qatar Steps In: Emir Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and UAE Over Yemen

The Emir of Qatar has held urgent calls with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This diplomatic move follows rising public tensions between the two Gulf allies over the war in Yemen. The contacts came after Saudi Arabia publicly accused the UAE of worsening the conflict. Saudi officials stated the UAE was supporting local forces that are "fueling the tension" in Yemen. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading members of a coalition that has fought in Yemen since 2015. However, their strategies and local allies have increasingly differed. Qatar, which restored ties with both nations in 2021 after a long dispute, is now acting as a mediator. The Emir's separate discussions aim to calm the rare public rift between these powerful neighbors.