Algeria severs ties with UAE

Algeria announced it was severing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of provocative or hostile actions and interference in national and regional affairs. It told the UAE ambassador of the decision after years of regional disagreements. The UAE said it hoped the break would be temporary.

• 48 hoursDeadline given to UAE ambassador — To comply with Algeria’s decision
• 2020UAE normalized ties with Israel — A source of Algerian criticism
• End of 2026Commercial-flight exemption ends — Under Algeria’s airspace measure

Q1

How did the UAE respond?

Its foreign ministry said it hoped the decision would be temporary and stressed ties between the countries’ peoples and shared interests.

Q2

Why had relations deteriorated?

The governments differed over Israel, Western Sahara, the Sahel and influence in North Africa; Algeria also alleged Emirati interference at home.

Q3

What restrictions follow the break?

Algeria announced an airspace ban for UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft, while commercial flights to and from Algiers retain a temporary exemption.

Q4

What had Algeria done earlier?

In February, Algeria began procedures to cancel a bilateral air-services agreement, moving the dispute beyond diplomatic statements.