The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the United Arab Emirates condemned in the strongest terms the hostile drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory which attempted to target oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh of Saudi Arabia. The statement on July 27, 2026, underlined that these actions represent a flagrant violation of Saudi sovereignty. It also identified them as a clear threat to the kingdom’s security and stability. Such condemnations form part of the UAE’s broader diplomatic response to threats against its key ally.
According to the ministry’s statement, the UAE expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia along with its leadership and people. The statement voiced support for every measure the Saudi government adopts to defend its security, stability and the safety of its citizens. This solidarity highlights the close partnership between the two countries that extends to joint efforts in regional security matters.
The ministry further stressed that the attacks pose a serious threat to security and stability across the region. It urged concerted international efforts aimed at confronting the perpetrators and preventing future occurrences. The call reflects a consistent UAE position seen in responses to prior incidents involving cross-border aggression.
Al Jazeera reported that Yemen’s Houthis claimed a missile strike on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea on July 22, 2026. The group said it targeted the vessels Encelia and Layla for violating a declared blockade. Saudi authorities reported that the Encelia sustained damage but all crew members escaped unharmed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
A 2019 assessment by the U.S. Energy Information Administration detailed how drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais temporarily cut the country’s oil production by more than 5 million barrels per day. That event, which affected nearly 6 percent of global oil supply, prompted similar condemnations from the UAE and other nations. The parallel between past and present threats illustrates persistent risks to Gulf energy infrastructure.
Analytics platform Kpler data indicated a drop in Red Sea shipping traffic following the most recent Houthi-claimed attacks on Saudi oil assets. The decline affects routes critical for oil transport from Saudi ports. These incidents add pressure to an already volatile maritime environment in the area.
