Key facts
- UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed sent a handwritten letter directly to Saudi Arabia's King Salman.
- The letter is seen by US and Arab diplomats as an effort to bypass Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia have differing stances on conflicts in Yemen and Sudan.
- Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey recently announced a new joint defense agreement called the Mecca Pact.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had previously communicated concerns to UAE national security advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed has sent a handwritten letter directly to Saudi Arabia's King Salman, a move interpreted by US and Arab diplomats as an attempt to bypass the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The letter, delivered by the UAE's ambassador to Riyadh, reportedly addressed bilateral ties between the two Gulf neighbors. This direct outreach to the 90-year-old King Salman, who rarely travels, signals underlying tensions between the UAE and the de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman.
Gulf watchers suggest the letter reflects strained relations, particularly following Saudi Arabia's actions against UAE-backed secessionist allies in Yemen and differing stances on the civil war in Sudan. The UAE reportedly tried to prevent Saudi Arabia's mediation efforts with Pakistan, which, along with Turkey, recently unveiled a new joint defense agreement known as the Mecca Pact. This pact has been viewed by some Emirati commentators as a potential challenge to the deepening partnership between Israel and the UAE.
Earlier this year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had reportedly sent a letter to UAE national security advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed, outlining Riyadh's concerns and proposing mediation through his brother, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman. The current direct communication from the UAE President appears to bypass this established channel, highlighting the complex and evolving dynamics between the two key regional powers.