Algeria severed diplomatic relations with the UAE over its provocative actions

Algeria's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the reason for the break in relations was a series of what it called "provocative and hostile actions" by the United Arab Emirates.

The Emirati ambassador was given 48 hours to leave Algeria.

Restrictions for aircraft from the UAE

From Friday, Algerian airspace is to be closed to all civil and military aircraft registered in the UAE. The authorities have made an exception for passenger connections to and from Algiers. These flights will be able to be operated until the end of 2026.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that Algeria's decision would be temporary. Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the president of the Emirates, wrote on the X platform that Algiers' move is mysterious and requires "decoding."

Disputes over Western Sahara and the situation in the region

According to analysts, tensions between the countries have been growing for a long time. Western Sahara remains one of the main points of contention. Abu Dhabi supports Morocco's claims to the territory and opened a consulate there in 2020. Algeria, in turn, supports the Polisario Front, which seeks the independence of Western Sahara.

Differences also concern policy towards Israel. Algeria, like most Muslim countries, opposes normalization of relations with Israel. The UAE established diplomatic relations with this country in 2020.

The interests of Algeria and the Emirates also clash in the Sahel, Libya and Sudan. The UAE supports, among others, the forces of General Khalifa Haftar and the Rapid Support Force in Sudan.

Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebbun has repeatedly accused Abu Dhabi of fueling conflicts in the region. In one of his statements, without mentioning the Emirates by name, he spoke about a "dwarf state" from the Persian Gulf.

The authorities in Algiers are also concerned about the UAE's alleged contacts with the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie, which Algeria considers a terrorist organization. Algiers also previously accused Abu Dhabi of interfering in its internal affairs.