UAE responds after Algeria severs diplomatic relations

Algeria abruptly ended diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, alleging a series of "provocative or hostile" actions by Abu Dhabi. The decision was made following a growing strain in bilateral ties, with Algerian media outlets criticizing the UAE for attempting to spread regional discord. The Algerian foreign ministry stated that the UAE's actions had reached an unacceptable level and that they had exhausted all means of preserving relations.

UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash emphasized on X that diplomatic relations should be based on "rationality, communication and clarity of interests," rather than "riddles and signals that require decoding." UAE's decision to summon the Algerian ambassador and give a 48-hour notice before terminating ties underscores the intensity of the diplomatic fallout.

The two nations have disagreed on several regional matters. While Algeria opposes normalization with Israel, the UAE, along with Morocco, established diplomatic ties with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. The two nations also hold opposing views on the Western Sahara dispute, with the UAE supporting Morocco's claim and Algeria backing the Polisario Front.

The deterioration in relations between Algeria and the UAE has been especially pronounced in the Sahel region, where the UAE has bolstered ties with several governments in recent years. Algeria's relations with its southern neighbors have also become strained due to a series of military coups. Algerian President Abdelmadjid previously noted that relations with all Gulf states were warm except for one, seemingly referencing the UAE.

He accused the unnamed country of meddling in Algeria's internal affairs and attempting to destabilize it.

In February, Algeria initiated the process of canceling an air services agreement with the UAE, which was signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013.