CONFLICTED Crisis in the Gulf: Saudi vs UAE
Jan 13, 2026
A surprising rift has emerged between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, sparked by escalating tensions over Yemen. The discussion dives into historical roots of their rivalry and contrasts their governance styles—the UAE’s maritime influence against Saudi Arabia’s continental grip. Personal stories interweave with geopolitical analysis, highlighting their cultural similarities despite political disparities. The fallout from recent airstrikes raises questions about regional stability, while the role of third-party misinformation adds another layer to this complex feud.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Maritime Versus Continental Origins
- Saudi Arabia grew as a continental, tribal state driven by the Najdi project and a unitary political logic.
- The UAE emerged from the British-trucial maritime system, making it commercial, contractual, and flexible.
A Personal Gulf Family Web
- Aimen Dean describes his family spread across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to show cross-border kinship in the Gulf.
- He uses this personal tie to explain why the Mukalla events feel like a painful family dispute to him.
Buraimi: A Lingering Gulf Memory
- Aimen Dean recounts the 1950s Buraimi Oasis dispute where Saudi forces entered and the British expelled them in 1955.
- He notes the episode left lasting sensitivity despite many modern Saudis only knowing the area as a car-market free-trade zone.