Amid escalating Iranian attacks, Gulf leaders have renewed calls for solidarity and cooperation among the six GCC states.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Wednesday reshared a photograph showing UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, highlighting the close relationship between the two Gulf nations.
“The biggest story in the Gulf is captured in a single photograph,” Gargash said in his post.
The image was originally shared by Turki Alalshikh, a prominent Saudi official and close associate of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who said the photograph was taken several days earlier.
The photograph showed Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Sheikh Mansour with their arms around each other’s shoulders and smiling, highlighting the close bond between the two Gulf allies.
Alalshikh captioned the image: “Saudi Arabia and the UAE: a story of brotherly relations and a deeply rooted partnership.”
Earlier, Dr Gargash reshared Alalshikh’s post on X and added a message emphasising unity, writing: “Spears, when together, refuse to be broken… and break if they part.”
The post followed similar messages from senior Saudi and UAE officials reaffirming the longstanding ties between the two countries and the shared vision of their leadership.
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary and Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Authority, both shared posts on X at 7pm Riyadh time and 8pm UAE time on Tuesday, highlighting the strength of Saudi-UAE relations.
“Emirati-Saudi relations are an extension of a shared history and deep-rooted fraternal ties between two brotherly peoples, united by a single destiny,” Alhamed wrote.
UAE and Saudi officials reaffirm strength of bilateral ties
UAE and Saudi officials have continued to highlight the strength of relations between the two countries, emphasising their shared history, close coordination and commitment to regional stability.
Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Authority, said:
“UAE-Saudi relations are further strengthened by the wise leadership of both countries, which continues to work in close coordination and with a clear vision toward a future that brings prosperity to our peoples and the region. The role of responsible media is to reflect this reality objectively and to confront any attempts to undermine or distort it.”
Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary also stressed the depth of the relationship, saying:
“The relationship between the Kingdom and the Emirates is a relationship between two peoples united by a shared history and heritage, and wise leadership in both countries.”
He added:
“The role of credible media is to counter anyone attempting to portray the ties between the two countries in a misleading way and to ensure accuracy in all reporting about their relationship.”
The messages come as Gulf officials have in recent weeks called for greater unity among the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council amid rising regional tensions, including Iranian attacks and recent threats by the Iran-aligned Houthi group targeting Red Sea shipping.
On Wednesday, the UAE strongly condemned statements made by the Houthi group against Saudi Arabia, including threats to impose a maritime blockade on the Kingdom.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) called on the international community to ensure the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216 on Yemen and Resolution 2722 concerning rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
