Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a meeting in Riyadh to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman also attended the meeting, which comes amid heightened tensions in the region and renewed Houthi attacks targeting Saudi interests.
The meeting took place as Saudi Arabia continues to respond to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on tankers, oil facilities, airports and other targets. Riyadh has also been seeking support from international partners over the security situation.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have experienced differences over regional policy, particularly regarding Yemen, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, where the two countries have backed competing sides in several conflicts.
In December, Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of actions that it said threatened Saudi national security by supporting southern Yemeni separatists involved in an offensive in areas controlled by the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
Relations showed signs of improvement in July, when senior officials from both countries exchanged public messages emphasising friendship and unity.
The rapprochement came as fighting in Yemen intensified, with the Houthis expanding their territorial control and launching attacks on Saudi territory. The group has also announced restrictions on Saudi-linked maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
Saudi forces have carried out strikes against Houthi positions as Riyadh continues diplomatic efforts with international partners over the escalating regional security situation.
