Saudi Arabia and Egypt Strategic Alignment 2026: Countering UAE Influence
On Jan 5, 2026, Egypt and Saudi Arabia strengthened their strategic alliance in Cairo to counter UAE's growing regional influence in Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia.
Handshakes in Cairo reveal a deepening rift in the Gulf's old guard. Saudi Arabia and Egypt just locked arms to present a unified front as their rivalry with the UAE reaches a fever pitch. On January 5, 2026, high-level talks in the Egyptian capital underscored a growing necessity for bilateral coordination amid regional chaos.
The Saudi Arabia and Egypt Strategic Alignment Against Fragmentation
During talks in Cairo, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan described their positions on regional crises as "identical." This rare show of absolute unity targets the widening differences with the UAE. In Yemen, the friction turned into open hostility last December when the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized two strategic provinces, defying Riyadh's regional blueprint.
Sudan and the Horn of Africa: A New Battleground
The competition isn't limited to Yemen. In Sudan, Cairo and Riyadh back the de facto military leadership, while Abu Dhabi stands accused of fueling the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN recently gained access to el-Fasher following its capture by the RSF, describing the city as a "crime scene."
| Region | Saudi/Egypt Alignment | UAE Position |
|---|---|---|
| Yemen | Support for recognized gov/unity | Backing STC separatists |
| Somalia | Backing Federal Government | Partnering with Somaliland/Ethiopia |
| Sudan | Backing Army leadership | Accused of supporting RSF |
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