In the declaration, Mohammed bin Issa Al-Jaber—founder, chairman and chief executive of the MBI Group, a multinational conglomerate with assets exceeding $10 billion—said decision-making over war and peace in Yemen has shifted away from the state and into the hands of actors aligned with a regional agenda linked to Iran.

Power Fragmentation and Loss of Sovereignty

Al-Jaber argued that Yemen’s institutional framework has effectively collapsed into a dual structure: an internationally recognised government lacking operational authority, and a rival administration in Sanaa dominated by the Houthi movement, which he said imposes military decisions without public consent.

He characterised this imbalance as a “confiscation of national sovereignty,” warning that Yemenis are being drawn into conflicts that do not serve their national interests. His remarks echo broader assessments that Yemen’s war has increasingly become entangled in regional geopolitical competition, particularly involving Iran and Gulf states.

Federalism as a Structural Remedy

Positioning federalism as a viable exit strategy, Al-Jaber called for a decentralised Yemeni state in which regions are granted full administrative and political authority. He argued that such a framework would enable local governance, reduce corruption, and shield communities from externally driven military escalations.

He pointed to developments in Hadramout, where intervention by Saudi Arabia helped stabilise tensions late last year. Saudi Arabia has been a central actor in Yemen since 2015, backing the recognised government against Houthi forces.

Federal restructuring has previously been proposed during Yemen’s National Dialogue process, though implementation has stalled amid ongoing conflict and institutional breakdown.

Tihama and the Self-Determination Debate

Al-Jaber highlighted Tihama as particularly exposed to the consequences of continued instability. Home to more than eight million people and possessing strategic access to the Red Sea, he said the region holds the economic and geographic foundations of a viable state.

He warned that, in the absence of sovereign decision-making and public consent, calls for self-determination could intensify. “When people are forced into wars that do not serve their interests, self-determination becomes a legitimate political option,” he said.

While such claims remain legally and politically contentious, the principle has been invoked in cases where state authority collapses or fails to represent local populations (UN Charter, Article 1).

International Appeals and Escalating Rhetoric

The statement also urged former U.S. President Donald Trump and the international community not to interpret current developments as reflective of the Yemeni population’s will. It called on the United Nations and the UN Security Council to convene urgently and organise elections under international supervision.

Al-Jaber further issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Houthi leadership to cease claiming representation of the Yemeni people and to issue an apology, warning that failure to do so could trigger widespread public mobilisation across regions from Mahra to Saada and from Aden to Medie.

He concluded that Yemen should only engage in war in self-defence, stressing that long-term stability depends on political consensus and national interest rather than what he described as “reckless military adventurism.”

Officials emphasized that the decision reflects a strategic reassessment shaped by evolving realities on the ground and a broader commitment to long-term stability in the Arabian Peninsula.

The UAE clarified that its remaining presence had been limited to specialized counterterrorism personnel working in coordination with international partners, underscoring the narrow and defensive nature of its mission.

By concluding this phase of engagement, Abu Dhabi has signaled confidence in political dialogue and regional cooperation as the most effective tools for addressing Yemen’s complex challenges.

The withdrawal also highlights the UAE’s stated preference for de-escalation, humanitarian support, and institution-building rather than prolonged military involvement.

Observers across the region view the announcement as a constructive gesture that may help recalibrate relationships among Gulf partners while opening space for renewed coordination.

The UAE has consistently framed its Yemen policy around combating extremism, protecting maritime security, and supporting local stabilization efforts aligned with international norms.

Officials stressed that the conclusion of the mission does not diminish the country’s ongoing interest in Yemen’s peace, unity, and economic recovery.

Regional analysts note that the move reflects the maturity of Gulf diplomacy, where strategic differences are increasingly addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.

By voluntarily ending its remaining deployment, the UAE is reinforcing its image as a pragmatic actor willing to adapt policy in support of broader regional interests.

The decision comes amid renewed focus on political processes in Yemen, with international partners encouraging inclusive talks and confidence-building measures.

UAE leaders have reiterated support for internationally recognized frameworks that prioritize Yemeni-led solutions and respect national sovereignty.

Humanitarian considerations also remain central, with Abu Dhabi continuing to provide aid, development assistance, and reconstruction support to Yemeni communities.

The drawdown aligns with the UAE’s wider foreign policy approach that emphasizes stability, economic cooperation, and conflict prevention across the Middle East.

Gulf cooperation remains a priority, and officials have expressed hope that recent steps will contribute to rebuilding trust and coordination among regional partners.

The UAE’s message has been one of reassurance, stressing that differences among allies need not undermine shared goals of security and prosperity.

By choosing an orderly and transparent withdrawal, the country aims to reduce friction and support a calmer regional environment.

Diplomatic sources suggest that such steps could encourage renewed multilateral engagement focused on ending Yemen’s prolonged crisis.

The UAE has highlighted that peace is best sustained through political compromise, economic opportunity, and regional dialogue rather than extended military deployments.

As regional diplomacy evolves, the withdrawal is being viewed as a forward-looking decision that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term tactical gains.