WASHINGTON (February 5, 2026) – For years, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) attempted to solve their disagreements discreetly. Now, their new feud has the potential to impact global markets and intensify ongoing conflicts in other countries. This conflict is already complicating relief efforts for Yemen, where millions depend on humanitarian aid for survival.
So far, the U.S.’ current administration has refused to take sides. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are key players for President Trump to win support for his Middle East policies. Analysts warn that the U.S.’ reluctance to intervene could increase the risk of conflicts and diplomatic efforts to help the region.
GW experts are available for analysis on these developments.
Dr. Sina Azodi, Director of The Middle East Studies, and Assistant Professor of Middle East Politics at the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs. Azodi is an expert in international relations of the Middle East, Iranian Foreign Policy, U.S.-Iranian Relations, Nuclear non-proliferation, Iran’s nuclear program and Iranian politics. Azodi can discuss the threats of rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
Gordon Gray, Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs. Gray is an expert in Diplomacy and Statecraft and U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Gray served the US government for 35 years with many foreign assignments including Canada.
To schedule an interview, please contact Nadia Payne at nadia [dot] payne
gwu [dot] edu (nadia[dot]payne[at]gwu[dot]edu) or GW media at gwmediagwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu).
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