Algeria severs diplomatic ties with United Arab Emirates

Algeria has officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, ordering the Emirati ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours. In addition to the rupture, Algeria has announced the closure of its airspace to all Emirati aircraft.

Algerian authorities cited “provocative or hostile acts” and “regrettable and unjustifiable behavior” by Abu Dhabi as the reasons for the decision. While the official communiqué did not list specific incidents, the move follows long-standing tensions regarding regional influence.

Key points of contention include conflicting interests in Libya, where the UAE supports Khalifa Haftar while Algeria backs the Tripoli-based government, and in Sudan, where the UAE is accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces. Other friction points include the UAE’s relationship with Morocco regarding Western Sahara and its normalization of ties with Israel.