Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, marking a major deterioration in ties between the two countries after years of mounting disagreements over regional and domestic affairs.
Algeria announced the decision on Thursday, September 10, saying it had exhausted all available avenues for preserving bilateral relations. The Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of increasingly engaging in what it described as “provocative or hostile” actions, but did not identify a specific incident that triggered the final decision.
UAE ambassador given 48 hours to leave
As part of the diplomatic rupture, Algeria summoned the UAE ambassador and formally informed him of the decision. He was given 48 hours to leave Algeria, according to the Algerian Foreign Ministry.
The UAE has not immediately issued a detailed response to Algeria’s announcement. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said diplomacy should be based on rationality, communication, clarity of interests and effective management of disagreements, in comments that did not explicitly mention Algeria.
Relations had been deteriorating
The break follows years of increasing friction. Algerian officials have previously accused the UAE of interfering in Algeria’s internal affairs and attempting to destabilise the country.
Algeria also began the process of cancelling a bilateral air services agreement with the UAE in February 2026, further highlighting the deterioration in relations.
The two countries have also taken different positions on several major regional issues, including Western Sahara. The UAE supports Morocco’s position on the disputed territory, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara. Their interests have also increasingly diverged across the Sahel.
Wider regional implications
The diplomatic rupture comes at a time of significant geopolitical tensions across North Africa, the Middle East and the Sahel. Algeria is a major regional power with strong positions on sovereignty and non-interference, while the UAE has expanded its political, economic and security relationships across Africa and the Middle East.
The decision could therefore have implications beyond bilateral relations, particularly for regional diplomacy and competing alliances in North Africa and the Sahel.
For now, Algeria’s move represents one of the sharpest breaks in Arab diplomatic relations in recent years, with the next steps likely to depend on whether either side seeks to reopen channels of communication.
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