Saudi defence minister meets UAE president and vice president in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, on Sunday. They exchanged views on the latest situation in the region.

According to the UAE’s state news agency, WAM, both sides exchanged views on regional developments. The aim was to strengthen security and stability in the region and to achieve lasting peace.

In a message on the social media website X, Prince Khalid bin Salman said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of the deep and historic ties between the two brotherly countries. He said they also discussed developments in the regional situation, ways of increasing cooperation and joint Gulf initiatives.

According to Arab News, the Saudi defence minister also said he conveyed the good wishes of the Saudi leadership to the UAE president during the meeting.

Prince Khalid bin Salman also met UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He said the meeting stressed the importance of continued contact and consultation on matters of common interest. They also discussed ways of supporting efforts to strengthen regional and international security and stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meetings come at a time when tension persists in the Middle East because of the Iran war and fighting has resumed in Yemen. There, Houthi rebels have targeted Saudi energy and aviation facilities, including airports.

Saudi Arabia has led an Arab coalition against the Houthis since 2015. The Houthis took control of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and other areas in 2014. According to Anadolu, the UAE formally withdrew from Yemen in 2020. In December 2025 it announced an end to its remaining military presence there.