Algeria Severs Diplomatic Ties With UAE Over ‘Hostile’ Actions  

Algeria has cut diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing Abu Dhabi of engaging in a series of actions it described as “provocative or hostile” despite repeated warnings.

The decision was announced by Algeria’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday, with the ministry saying the situation had deteriorated to the point where the UAE’s actions could no longer be accepted or tolerated.

It said Algiers had “exhausted all means of preserving bilateral relations” before deciding to sever ties.

Following the announcement, the UAE ambassador was summoned by the Algerian Foreign Ministry, where he was formally notified of the decision and given 48 hours to comply, according to the ministry.

The UAE Foreign Ministry had not responded to an emailed request for comment at the time of the report.

The diplomatic row comes after years of growing tension between the two countries, with Algerian media frequently accusing the UAE of actions capable of deepening divisions in the region.

Their differences have extended to major regional issues, particularly Israel, Western Sahara and developments in the Sahel.

Algeria has maintained its opposition to normalising relations with Israel. The UAE, however, established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 alongside Morocco under the United States-brokered Abraham Accords.

Algiers and Rabat are long-standing rivals over Western Sahara, with Algeria supporting the Polisario Front’s demand for an independent state, while the UAE backs Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over the disputed territory. The UAE has also established a consulate there.

The growing rivalry has also played out in the Sahel, where the UAE has strengthened relations with several governments, while Algeria has experienced strained ties with some of its southern neighbours following military coups in the region.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had previously indicated that his country enjoyed cordial relations with Gulf countries except one, in an apparent reference to the UAE.

He described Algeria’s ties with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar as “brotherly,” but accused the unnamed country of interfering in Algeria’s domestic affairs and attempting to destabilise the country.

The latest diplomatic fallout follows another deterioration in bilateral ties earlier this year. In February, Algeria initiated the cancellation of an air services agreement with the UAE that was signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013.