Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts to contain the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its partners in the Horn of Africa, which include Ethiopia and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. This escalation comes as the UAE has increased arms shipments to the region throughout 2025, including deliveries to Ethiopia since November.
The competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Horn of Africa raises concerns about the potential for horizontal escalation on both sides of the Red Sea, particularly in Yemen. The ongoing dynamics in the region are critical, as they may impact stability and security across neighboring countries.
For further context on recent developments, the UAE has recently signed a $2.3 billion defense deal with Tel Aviv"s Elbit Systems, which may influence the regional balance of power. Additionally, the RSF has made advances in Sudan, taking control of areas such as Barnu, as reported in earlier coverage.
