Algeria announced on Thursday the suspension of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and the closure of its airspace to Emirati aircraft. The decision was communicated by a statement from the Algerian Foreign Ministry, which characterized the move as a response to the UAE’s “hostile policies” and repeated interference in Algeria’s internal affairs.
According to the ministry, the severance of ties was further triggered by what Algeria described as direct support from Abu Dhabi for separatist claims regarding the Tindouf region. Officials in Algiers stated that the UAE had also supported destabilizing activities within the country, actions deemed incompatible with its obligations as a neighboring state.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the termination of diplomatic relations is immediate and permanent. It instructed the relevant administrative authorities to execute all measures associated with this diplomatic rupture, including the closure of airspace to UAE-registered aircraft.
In addition to cutting official ties, Algeria has revoked the operating licenses of three media outlets based in the UAE: Al Arabiya, Dubai TV, and Sky News Arabia. The government also declared all agreements and cooperation protocols previously signed with the UAE to be null and void.
A final notice was issued requiring Emirati diplomatic personnel to depart Algerian territory within a 48-hour window. Meanwhile, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated on Thursday evening that his country had received a notification from Algeria regarding the recall of its ambassador.
I didn’t see this coming. Are the UAE and Algeria really at this point now? Seems like a permanent rift forming.
This is a major escalation. Closing airspace and kicking out diplomats over Tindouf rumors changes the whole dynamic in the Maghreb.