The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it has voluntarily ended the mission of its remaining military units in Yemen, effectively ending its military presence in the country.
In a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Abu Dhabi said its armed forces completed their military role in Yemen in 2019 and that what remained in the country were specialized counter‑terrorism teams operating in coordination with international partners. The ministry said it had decided to conclude the work of these teams “of its own volition,” citing a comprehensive assessment of the evolving situation and the need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of operations.
The statement said the decision aligns with the UAE’s commitments and its role in supporting regional security and stability, adding that the withdrawal was coordinated with relevant partners.
This statement is issued with reference to the statement made today, Tuesday, 30th December 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates regarding the ongoing developments in the Republic of Yemen, and the facts it outlined concerning the presence of the… pic.twitter.com/EN3kkMbuDa
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) December 30, 2025
Context of Rising Regional Tensions
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over recent developments in Yemen. Saudi authorities have publicly demanded that Emirati forces withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours and end all military support to local factions, following an airstrike by the Saudi‑led coalition on the southern port city of Al-Mukalla. Riyadh said the strike targeted a shipment of weapons and military vehicles allegedly linked to the UAE and destined for the UAE‑backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
Source: Al-Manar Website