Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE Citing ‘Hostile Actions’
Algeria ended its diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. It accused Abu Dhabi of “provocative or hostile” actions. Algeria did not give specific reasons for this sudden move. The United Arab Emirates hopes Algeria’s decision will be temporary.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated it had “exhausted all means” to keep relations healthy. It said the UAE’s actions became unacceptable. The UAE Foreign Ministry said it values the Algerian people. It wants to keep good ties between both nations.
Relations between the two countries have been strained for years. Algerian news outlets have often criticized the UAE. They said the UAE tried to cause trouble in the region.
After cutting ties, Algeria will close its airspace from Friday. This affects most UAE-registered civilian and military planes. However, current commercial flights to Algiers will continue until late 2026. This is when their existing contract ends. The UAE ambassador learned of Algeria’s decision. He was given 48 hours to depart Algeria.
Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, commented on social media. He spoke about diplomacy needing clarity and rationality. He did not mention Algeria directly. He said strong diplomacy requires clear positions. It also needs good handling of disagreements.
Algeria and the UAE hold different views on several regional issues. Algeria opposes countries making peace with Israel. The United Arab Emirates established ties with Israel in 2020. This was part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
They also disagree on the Western Sahara dispute. The United Arab Emirates supports Morocco’s claim over the territory. Algeria supports the Polisario Front. This group seeks an independent Western Sahara. Both countries also have different interests in the Sahel region of Africa.
Last year, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune spoke about Gulf states. He said relations with most were warm, except one. This was seen as a hint about the United Arab Emirates. He accused this unnamed country of interfering in Algeria’s internal matters.
In February, Algeria began cancelling an air services agreement with the UAE. This agreement was originally signed in 2013.
