Algeria withdraws Sky News Arabia accreditation amid UAE rift

Algeria has withdrawn the accreditation of Sky News Arabia, a news station owned by the United Arab Emirates, effectively forcing its Algiers bureau to close. The decision prevents the outlet from producing reports within Algerian territory and affects its local journalists.

This move follows the severance of diplomatic relations between Algeria and the UAE on September 10, 2026. Algeria cited “provocative or hostile actions” by Abu Dhabi as the reason for cutting ties. The deterioration in relations is linked to long-standing regional tensions, specifically regarding the Western Sahara dispute. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, while the UAE backs Morocco’s sovereignty claims over the territory. Additionally, Algeria has expressed concerns regarding the UAE’s expanding influence in the Sahel region, including in Mali and Libya.