Alliance, rivalry, and conflict—an intricate and contradictory triad that mars the relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The ongoing debate over the disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the UAE centres on a competition for leadership and influence in the region. While the UAE believes that its diplomatic and economic influence and the extent of its regional and international influence qualifies it to be the leading power among the Gulf states, Riyadh refuses to acknowledge this, insisting on its historical role in the Gulf, the Arab world and the Islamic world.
The ongoing debate over the disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the UAE centres on a competition for leadership and influence in the region. While the UAE believes that its diplomatic and economic influence and the extent of its regional and international influence qualifies it to be the leading power among the Gulf states, Riyadh refuses to acknowledge this, insisting on its historical role in the Gulf, the Arab world and the Islamic world.
