Saudi Arabia vs UAE: Gulf rivalry puts diplomacy to the test as Ramaphosa visits

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

His visit unfolds against a growing rivalry between the oil-rich nation and its similarly resourced neighbour, Saudi Arabia.

The two Gulf states, once close allies, are now competing for regional influence.

In her latest piece for News24, journalist Qaanitah Hunter suggests Ramaphosa is walking into a 'Gulf crossfire'.

"The world, as we know, is very small and South Africa has to be very circumspect in terms of an ever-tense world as to who its friends are and what it's gaining from proximity to different powers."

Hunter explains that, once close allies, tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been intensifying, and it relates to Saudi Arabia's border-mate Yemen.

"At the end of last year, you had a separatist movement in Yemen, taking over parts of the country very close to the Saudi border."

Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of funding the movement, and that, says Hunter, is when 'the house fell apart'.

"What has since come out is that the UAE has played an increasing role in geo-politics, but on the quiet - funding separatists, funding rebel groups."

The move by the UAE highlights its influence on the African continent, says Hunter.

"Doing that [funding] in Sudan with the RSF, which is accused of genocide, and having relationships with Somaliland. So, there's this little role that the UAE has played on the African continent."

Hunter explains that South Africa, which has strong ties to both Gulf states, is under growing pressure to navigate the rivalry without appearing to favour either side.

"Can South Africa say, 'Hey, this is a fallout between two neighbours, this has nothing to do with us'? We can't afford to do that. Why? Because the war in Sudan is South Africa's business. Peace in the whole of Africa is South Africa's business."

Bilateral trade between South Africa and the UAE reached $5.2 billion in 2024, while exports to Saudi Arabia rose to R7.3 billion in 2023.

To listen to Hunter in conversation with CapeTalk's John Maytham, use the audio player below: