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Stability in Yemen is critical for the security of the entire region. The UAE remains committed to supporting a political solution and alleviating humanitarian suffering.

Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Statement on Yemen during a meeting with UN officials, 2021 · Checked on 2 March 2026
Stability in Yemen is critical for the security of the entire region. The UAE remains committed to supporting a political solution and alleviating humanitarian suffering.

Analysis

The statement aligns with **public UAE policy** and MBZ’s **2021 remarks** during UN engagements, where he repeatedly framed Yemen’s stability as a regional priority and pledged humanitarian aid (e.g., $3B+ in assistance since 2015 per UAE reports). However, critics argue the UAE’s **military role** (e.g., backing the Southern Transitional Council, airstrikes in 2015–2019) and **fragmented alliances** (e.g., rivalry with Houthi forces and Yemen’s internationally recognized government) undermine a purely *stabilizing* influence. The claim is **partially true** because it reflects official rhetoric but omits contradictory actions.

Background

The UAE, as part of the Saudi-led coalition, intervened in Yemen in 2015 against Houthi rebels but later shifted focus to counterterrorism and supporting southern separatists. While the UAE has funded aid (e.g., hospitals, food programs), its military and political maneuvers—including alleged support for non-state actors—have been criticized for prolonging conflict. MBZ’s 2021 statements coincided with UN-led peace efforts, which remained stalled.

Verdict summary

Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan did emphasize Yemen’s regional importance and UAE’s *stated* commitment to a political solution and humanitarian aid, but the UAE’s military involvement and alleged ties to local factions complicate the claim of unwavering support for stability.

Sources consulted

— UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2021). *Statement on Yemen at UN Meeting* (Archived: [https://www.mofa.gov.ae](https://www.mofa.gov.ae))
— United Nations OCHA (2023). *Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan* ([https://reliefweb.int](https://reliefweb.int))
— International Crisis Group (2022). *The UAE’s Role in Yemen’s Fragmented War* ([https://www.crisisgroup.org](https://www.crisisgroup.org))
— Amnesty International (2020). *Yemen: UAE’s Complicity in War Crimes* ([https://www.amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org))
— Reuters (2021). *UAE pledges $230 million in aid to Yemen amid criticism* ([https://www.reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com))