DZWatch Exclusive: A full-blown media war has erupted between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, exposing deep fissures within the Gulf alliance. The conflict, ostensibly triggered by events surrounding the port of Mukalla, Yemen, has escalated into a concerted campaign to undermine Saudi Arabia’s narrative.
Sources within the region indicate that while Saudi media outlets like Al Arabiya and Al Hadath are working to solidify the Kingdom’s position, a network of UAE-linked media channels and prominent figures are actively discrediting Riyadh’s actions. Accusations of ‘aggression’ in southern Yemen are being leveled against Saudi Arabia.
Leading this media offensive are outlets like Sky News Arabia, alongside influential voices such as Dubai’s former Police Chief, Dahi Khalfan, and academic Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, known for his close ties to the Emirati leadership. This coordinated effort represents an unprecedented attack on Saudi Arabia’s decisions, the legitimacy of the Yemeni government, and the very foundation of the Arab Coalition.
Sky News Arabia: A Platform for Separatists and Distorted Narratives
Following the Saudi strike on the port of Mukalla, Sky News Arabia, owned by Abu Dhabi, quickly became a key platform for leaders of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to launch accusations against Saudi Arabia. The channel has provided airtime to voices critical of Saudi involvement, including questioning the purpose of Saudi Arabia damaging the partnership with the Southern Yemenis.
Furthermore, Sky News Arabia prominently featured statements from al-Sheikh Lahmar Ali Laswad, head of the STC in Shabwa, characterizing the events at Mukalla port as blatant aggression. He went so far as to declare that the coalition to support legitimacy is a thing of the past, and no longer exists.
This media blitz also included the unreserved publication of the official UAE statement, expressing Abu Dhabi’s deep regret regarding the claims made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.