Abu Dhabi, UAE – From the very first moments of the launch of “Operation Decisive Storm” in March 2015, the UAE’s role in Yemen was not just a passing military participation,
but rather it turned into an integrated strategy aimed at restoring the state from the clutches of militias and extremist organizations.
Today, as 2025 draws to a close, the Yemeni scene stands on the threshold of a new phase thanks
to the balance of power established by Abu Dhabi in cooperation with Riyadh, despite the recent upheaval.
The official Emirati position clarified that it seeks de-escalation, not escalation, after the targeting of the port of Mukalla.
Breaking the back of terrorism in Mukalla and Shabwa
The radical shift in the course of the fight against terrorism began on April 24, 2016,
when the UAE Armed Forces led a historic operation to liberate the city of “Mukalla” from Al-Qaeda.
According to data from the Joint Forces Command, the operation was successful in record time
with the participation of Yemeni forces trained by the UAE.
This cut off the main funding artery for the organization, which was earning millions of dollars daily from port revenues.
This cut off the main funding artery for the organization, which was earning millions of dollars daily from port revenues.
Likewise, “Operation Decisive Sword” in March 2018, which targeted terrorist strongholds in the Shabwa region.
According to reports from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, these moves were not only military,
Rather, it aimed to secure global energy supplies and protect international navigation in the Gulf of Aden.
safety valve
The UAE based its vision for stability on the principle of “the people of the land know its valleys best”.
From this standpoint, I oversaw the establishment and training of the Hadrami Elite Forces, the Shabwani Elite Forces, and the Security Belt Forces.
The records of the Yemeni Ministry of Interior confirm that these forces have
become the main pillar in combating organized crime and sleeper cells.
It contributed to thwarting hundreds of terrorist operations during 2024 and 2025.
Harmony with the Arab coalition
On the joint political and military level, the UAE has remained the most prominent
partner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the coalition supporting legitimacy.
Within the framework of the “Riyadh Agreement” and subsequent diplomatic efforts, Abu Dhabi worked to unify the Yemeni home front.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in early December 2025 that coordination
with the coalition had reached advanced stages.
This is in order to support reaching a comprehensive political settlement
that guarantees the unity and sovereignty of Yemen.
Building sustainability
In a move described by UN development reports as “the most important transformation in the services sector,” 2025 saw a surge in energy projects.
The UAE-funded solar power plant in Aden has entered full operation
with a capacity of 120 megawatts, as the first project of its kind in Yemen.
