The Briefing Fresh crisis in Yemen threatens to split the Gulf region
Dec 11, 2025
Inzamam Rashid, Monocle’s Gulf correspondent, breaks down the growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in southern Yemen, highlighting the UAE's strategic interests in ports and oil. Stu Wu, a tech reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discusses the implications of Trump's approval for NVIDIA's chip exports to China and the ongoing U.S.-China AI competition. Lastly, Grace Charlton offers stylish holiday fashion tips that blend runway trends and seasonal flair, ensuring listeners are party-ready with three distinct looks.
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Southern Takeover Shifts Yemen's Power Map
- The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council has seized key southern provinces, altering Yemen's balance of power.
- This advance risks splintering the Saudi-UAE coalition and complicating peace efforts.
A Break From The Gulf Event Bubble
- Inzamam Rashid left the UAE for a quieter change, citing busy event seasons in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- He appreciated stepping out of that bubble to breathe and work from Monaco's office.
Alliances Have Become Transactional
- Tactical, transactional alliances are replacing monolithic Gulf partnerships.
- The Yemen split reflects broader Middle East trends of competitive cooperation among neighbours.