Saudi-UAE Tensions Rise Over Maritime Border Dispute as Riyadh Rejects Abu Dhabi’s Unilateral Move

Watan-Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have escalated after Abu Dhabi unilaterally demarcated its maritime borders, a move strongly rejected by Riyadh, which considers it a violation of the 1974 border agreement signed between the two countries.

This dispute has brought the rivalry between the two “Mohammads” into the open, as the competition between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed now extends beyond politics into geography and economic interests.

UAE’s Unilateral Move Sparks Saudi Opposition

According to reports, the UAE adopted a “straight-line system” to delineate its maritime boundaries, granting it greater control over resource-rich maritime zones—a move that Saudi Arabia vehemently opposes.

In response, Riyadh swiftly submitted an official memorandum to the United Nations, affirming that it does not recognize this unilateral action and remains committed to previously agreed border treaties.

The Yasat Islands: A New Flashpoint

A key area of dispute is the Yasat Islands, which the UAE declared a marine reserve in 2005. However, Saudi Arabia asserts that the islands fall within its territorial waters under the 1974 agreement.

The significance of the Yasat Islands goes beyond strategic location—the region is rich in marine and oil resources, making it highly contested between the two Gulf nations.

Border Dispute Tests Saudi-UAE Relations

Despite close political and economic ties, this maritime border dispute exposes underlying tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The territorial disagreement presents a new challenge in their relationship, potentially leading to difficult negotiations or international arbitration.

With Mohammed bin Zayed pushing for border adjustments that serve the UAE’s interests, the conflict may further strain relations between the two Gulf powers.