Algeria Makes Explosive Move, Breaks Ties With UAE And Bans Emirati Aircraft

Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a major deterioration in ties between the two countries after years of growing tensions.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Thursday, September 10, saying it had exhausted all available avenues to preserve bilateral relations. The Algerian government accused the UAE of engaging in what it described as increasingly “provocative or hostile” actions despite repeated warnings.

As part of the decision, the UAE ambassador in Algiers was summoned to the Foreign Ministry and formally informed of the diplomatic break. He was given 48 hours to comply with the decision.

Algeria also announced that its airspace would be closed to all civilian and military aircraft registered in the UAE from midnight on September 11. However, commercial flights between the two countries are expected to continue until the end of 2026 under the existing air services arrangement.

The diplomatic crisis comes against the backdrop of several years of disagreements between Algiers and Abu Dhabi over regional political and security issues. The two countries have taken opposing positions on matters including relations with Israel, the Western Sahara dispute and developments across the Sahel.

Algeria has opposed the normalisation of relations with Israel, while the UAE established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020. The two countries have also backed opposing positions on Western Sahara, with Algeria supporting the Polisario Front while the UAE has backed Morocco’s position on the disputed territory.

The UAE has expressed hope that the diplomatic rupture will not become permanent. Its Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its appreciation for the Algerian people and highlighted the longstanding connections between citizens of both countries.

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also appeared to respond to the development in a post on X, although he did not directly mention Algeria. He stressed the importance of rationality, communication and clarity of interests in managing diplomatic relations.

The decision represents one of the most serious setbacks in Algeria-UAE relations in recent years and could have wider implications for diplomatic and political alignments across North Africa and the Sahel.