# Algeria-UAE diplomatic conflict > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/algeria-uae-diplomatic-conflict > Updated: 2026-09-10T11:49:30.000Z. Sources: 84. Developments: 2. Tensions between Algeria and the United Arab Emirates escalated from a social media controversy to a complete diplomatic rupture. The friction began when Algerian authorities launched an investigation into Dubai-based influencer Hafsa Mahiou, who reportedly mocked the name of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and identified as Emirati in social media clips. By September 2026, the situation intensified as Algeria officially severed diplomatic relations with the UAE, citing a series of “provocative or hostile acts” and stating that all avenues to preserve bilateral ties had been exhausted. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally notified the UAE ambassador of the decision, providing 48 hours for compliance. As part of this rupture, Algeria announced a ban on all UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft entering or exiting its airspace, effective midnight on September 11, 2026. An exception was made for scheduled commercial civilian flights to and from Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers, which are permitted to continue until the end of 2026 when existing contracts expire. The breakdown follows long-standing regional disagreements regarding the Western Sahara dispute, Sahel security, and the UAE’s diplomatic ties with Israel. While the UAE expressed hope that the rupture might be “temporary” to preserve ties between the two peoples, the Algerian government maintained the move was a necessary response to unacceptable behavior. Analysts suggest the move could significantly reshape strategic alliances across North Africa and the Middle East. ## Claims - Algeria has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. (corroborated by 38 sources) - The decision follows what Algeria describes as provocative or hostile actions by the UAE. (corroborated by 37 sources) - Algeria stated it had exhausted all means to preserve bilateral relations. (corroborated by 33 sources) - The UAE ambassador was given 48 hours to comply with the decision. (corroborated by 27 sources) - The UAE expressed hope that the Algerian decision would be temporary. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Algeria will close its airspace to UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft starting midnight on September 11, 2026, with exceptions for certain commercial flights until the end of 2026. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The diplomatic rupture is driven by long-standing disagreements over regional issues, including the Western Sahara, the Sahel, and relations with Israel. (corroborated by 9 sources) - UAE diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash stated that successful diplomacy is based on clarity of positions and interest management. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Algeria began terminating an air services agreement with the UAE in February. (corroborated by 6 sources) - President Tebboune accused the UAE of seeking to destabilize countries in the region. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Algeria severs diplomatic ties with United Arab Emirates Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the UAE, citing hostile actions. The move includes closing Algerian airspace to UAE-registered aircraft, effective September 11, 2026, amid regional tensions. 82 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-united-arab-emirates ### 2026-08-22: Hafsa Mahiou investigation sparks Algeria-UAE tensions Influencer Hafsa Mahiou faces investigation in Algeria after social media clips mocking President Tebboune surfaced, exacerbating tensions between Algeria and the UAE. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hafsa-mahiou-investigation-sparks-algeria-uae-tensions --- Cite as: Algeria-UAE diplomatic conflict. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/algeria-uae-diplomatic-conflict