On September 10, 2023, Algeria announced a significant diplomatic decision to sever its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision was justified by Algerian officials as a last resort, stating they had exhausted all means to preserve the bilateral relationship. The Algerian government summoned the UAE ambassador to convey the message, granting him 48 hours to leave the country. Shortly thereafter, Algeria closed its airspace to all UAE civil and military aircraft, allowing only specific commercial flights from and to Algiers until the end of 2026, coinciding with the expiration of the current air service agreement.
In contrast to expectations of a belligerent response, the UAE’s reaction was notably calm. Abu Dhabi expressed hope that Algeria’s decision to cut ties would be “temporary,” underlining its appreciation of relationships with all countries and its commitment to fostering mutual interests and cooperation. The UAE Foreign Ministry’s statement did not directly address Algeria’s allegations of “provocative or hostile actions” from the UAE. Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the UAE President, emphasized that diplomatic relations should be managed through rational dialogue rather than cryptic signals requiring interpretation.
Historical Context of Tensions
The rift between Algeria and the UAE is not new; it has built up over several years. The tensions began to worsen amid Algeria’s 2019 popular protests, with fears that regional powers, particularly the UAE, were attempting to influence Algeria’s internal affairs. The situation escalated in 2020 when the UAE opened a consulate in Laayoune, the largest city in the contested Western Sahara region, bolstering Morocco’s claims and its relationship with Israel, while simultaneously supporting Khalifa Haftar in Libya.
In 2023, the disagreement gained public traction, with Algerian media launching sustained campaigns against the UAE, although official responses remained muted. By the end of that year, the Secretary-General of Algeria’s Labour Party, Louisa Hanoune, accused the UAE of attempting to destabilise Algeria. Reports emerged that Abu Dhabi had compiled a blacklist prohibiting certain Algerians, including politicians and journalists, from entering the emirates, a move interpreted as retaliation for perceived negative campaigns against it.
Escalation and Diplomatic Moves
The months following saw further degradation of relations, with Algeria’s High Security Council expressing regret over what it termed “hostile actions” from a “sister Arab state,” widely understood to refer to the UAE. In March 2024, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune accused the UAE of amassing funds in conflict zones, citing Mali, Libya, and Sudan as examples. A meeting between Tebboune and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in June 2024 did little to alleviate the tensions.
In recent years, the nature of disputes shifted from muted insinuations to overt actions. Tensions flared further after a controversial interview aired by the UAE-based Sky News Arabic, which cast doubt on the validity of Algeria’s Amazigh culture. In February 2026, Algeria initiated moves to nullify the 2013 air services agreement with the UAE.
Geopolitical Shifts towards Neighbouring Countries
The diplomatic fallout prompted Algeria to refocus its attention on its southern neighbours, particularly Mali and Niger, where relations had also soured. The crisis with Mali escalated after Algeria hosted opposition figures without consulting Bamako, culminating in a dramatic incident in April 2025 when Algeria shot down a Malian drone. This prompted both countries to close their airspaces and summon their ambassadors.
Relations with Niger were similarly fraught, particularly following the 2023 coup, which ignited disputes over the treatment of Nigerien migrants and concerns regarding Niger’s military cooperation with the Wagner Group. However, a notable thaw in relations occurred in early 2026, when Algerian President Tebboune welcomed Niger’s ambassador back to Algiers, marking a pivotal shift.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
In February 2026, the two nations announced the commencement of a significant project, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline traversing Niger, further strengthening ties. The pipeline aims to transport between 20 to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually, showcasing Algeria’s strategic intentions in the region.
Relations with Mali have also gradually improved. On July 10, Algeria reopened its airspace to Malian flights, and significant diplomatic exchanges occurred in August 2026. Algeria’s Prime Minister, Aissa Lakhder, visited Mali for the first time in years, delivering a message from President Tebboune and signalling a willingness to resume bilateral cooperation.
Implications of the UAE Split
The simultaneous developments of severing ties with the UAE and enhancing relations with Mali and Niger paint a complex picture. Analysts suggest that Algeria’s outreach to its southern neighbours is a strategic move to secure its regional influence ahead of the rift with the UAE. The UAE’s historical role in the region, particularly in economic terms, remains significant. Abu Dhabi had invested heavily in Mali, contributing to local development, and its involvement in regional politics has allowed it to exert influence in Algeria’s backyard.
In light of these dynamics, potential future scenarios emerge. One positive outcome could see Algeria consolidating its security and economic partnerships in the Sahel, positioning itself as an indispensable ally in the region, while the alternative scenario presents a risk of increased competition, particularly from the UAE, which could leverage its substantial economic resources to raise the stakes in the region.
Ultimately, the recent decision to cut ties with Abu Dhabi signifies a turning point, transitioning a long-standing dispute into an overt confrontation. Nevertheless, Algeria’s challenge lies not only in military engagements but in converting strategic gains into sustainable cooperative frameworks. The balance of power will hinge on Algeria’s ability to establish itself as a key partner in the region amid the UAE’s economic and political agility.