Algeria severs diplomatic ties with UAE, citing its ‘provocative or hostile’ actions

Algeria has terminated diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates following what it deemed as the exhausting of all efforts to maintain bilateral ties, escalating a dispute that had already impacted political and transport links. Algerian state television reported the decision on Thursday, citing authorities who claimed they had exhausted every avenue to preserve relations with Abu Dhabi.

No detailed explanation for the rupture was provided at the time of the announcement, and the UAE Foreign Ministry had not issued a public response. This formalizes a breakdown that had intensified since 2026. Algeria had already initiated procedures to terminate a bilateral air services agreement signed in 2013, signaling a substantial deterioration in official relations.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had criticized what he described as interference by an unnamed Gulf state in Algeria’s affairs, though he did not always identify the country, with the UAE being the most likely target. Tebboune also noted that Algeria’s ties were not with Gulf Arab countries collectively but with non-interference as a core foreign policy principle.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf reiterated this stance during Arab League meetings in Cairo, emphasizing that solutions to regional crises should be national, inclusive, and free from foreign intervention. Despite historical diplomatic, economic, and investment cooperation, formal ties date back to the 1970s, and a bilateral ministerial joint committee was formed in the 1980s.

However, growing political differences have strained the 15th session of the committee held in Abu Dhabi in November 2023. Relations could be affected in various areas, though Algeria has not specified an administrative timetable for implementing the decision. Both Algeria and the UAE are members of the Arab League, and the rupture is notable at a time of heightened diplomatic pressure in the Middle East and North Africa.