Algeria severed diplomatic relations with the UAE

Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday, September 10, that it had severed diplomatic relations with the UAE. Reuters reported on this.

 

According to the ministry, Abu Dhabi's actions have now "exceeded an acceptable or tolerable level." Algeria stated that it had "exhausted all possibilities" to preserve bilateral relations.

 

The UAE ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and informed of Algeria's decision. The diplomatic representative was given 48 hours to comply with the decision.

 

Shortly after Algeria's statement, Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, said on X that diplomatic relations should be based on "rationality, dialogue, and clarity of interests" rather than "puzzles and signals requiring interpretation." He did not directly mention Algeria.

 

It is noted that tensions in relations between the two countries have intensified in recent years. Algerian media have sharply criticized the UAE, accusing it of attempting to create discord in the region.

 

According to Reuters, Algeria and the UAE also hold differing positions on a number of regional issues. Algeria opposes normalizing relations with Israel. The UAE and Morocco, Algeria's regional rival, established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 within the framework of the "Abraham Accords" brokered by the United States.

 

Additionally, the two countries hold opposing positions on the Western Sahara issue. The UAE supports Morocco's claim to sovereignty over this territory and has a consulate there. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks to establish an independent Western Sahara.

 

The interests of the two countries increasingly intersect in the Sahel region as well. The UAE has expanded its ties with a number of governments in the region in recent years. Algeria's relations with some of its southern neighbors have sharply deteriorated following a series of military coups.

 

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said last year that his country's relations with all Persian Gulf states were warm, with the exception of only one country. This statement was interpreted as a veiled reference to the UAE. He described relations with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar as "brotherly," and accused the unnamed country of interfering in Algeria's internal affairs and attempting to destabilize the country.

 

In February 2026, Algeria initiated the process of terminating the air services agreement with the UAE signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013.