Gulf powers the UAE and Saudi Arabia are under scrutiny over their differing roles as renewed fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region threatens regional stability.

Amid renewed Tigray fighting, the UAE on September 25, 2025 condemned TPLF attacks and airport seizures, with minister Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan backing Ethiopia's sovereignty, while Saudi Arabia has stayed silent despite reported 2025 mediation offers and past Ethiopia-Eritrea diplomacy.