The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly agreed to resume funding some Yemeni government forces fighting the Houthi movement in southern Yemen, with Saudi Arabia expected to provide air support in return, The Guardian reported.

The reported arrangement could signal an easing of tensions between the two Gulf allies, whose disagreement over Yemen’s future has strained relations. Recent Houthi advances have raised security concerns for both countries.

Why the UAE Is Returning to Yemen

The UAE withdrew from Yemen in January and stopped financing several southern forces, including the Giant Brigades, which it had trained and supported. The units are considered among the more effective forces fighting the Houthis.

The withdrawal followed a failed attempt by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) to seize control of southern Yemen. STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi subsequently fled to Abu Dhabi, while Saudi Arabia carried out strikes against UAE arms shipments intended for STC forces.

The Guardian reported that Emirati officials have grown increasingly concerned about the Houthis’ continued military advances. Despite suffering losses, the group remains focused on capturing the strategic cities of Taiz and Marib.

Houthi Attacks Put Saudi Arabia on Alert

Saudi Arabia has faced repeated drone and missile attacks attributed to the Houthis, with strikes disrupting airport operations and threatening parts of the kingdom’s energy infrastructure. The attacks have also forced the postponement of some domestic football league matches.

On Friday, two Houthi missiles struck Aden airport in Yemen, landing approximately 500 metres from a Yemenia Airways aircraft preparing for departure. No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called an emergency parliamentary session to seek authorization for military action in support of Saudi Arabia’s defence. The United Kingdom has also deployed an RAF Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is deteriorating as fighting continues. The United Nations has reported that more than 200,000 people have been displaced since August.