Algeria severs diplomatic ties with UAE amid regional disputes
Algiers has expelled the UAE ambassador and restricted UAE-registered aircraft after accusing Abu Dhabi of “provocative and hostile” actions.
Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, saying it had exhausted efforts to preserve bilateral ties after years of tension.
Algeria’s Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of “provocative and hostile” conduct but did not specify the acts at issue. UAE Ambassador Yousef Saif Khamis Subaa Al-Ali was summoned and given 48 hours to comply with the decision.
Algiers also announced restrictions on UAE-registered aircraft. Commercial flights to and from Algiers are exempt until the end of 2026, according to the announcement.
The rupture follows disagreements involving Israel, Western Sahara and alleged UAE influence in North Africa and the Sahel. Algeria opposes normalisation with Israel, while the UAE established diplomatic relations with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords.
The two governments also support opposing positions on Western Sahara: the UAE backs Morocco’s claim, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front. The UAE has denied allegations of interference in regional conflicts.
The UAE said it hoped the decision would be temporary. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash separately said diplomacy should be based on clarity and rationality, without explicitly naming Algeria or confirming that his comments responded to the announcement, Al Jazeera Global News reported.
