Algeria has formally broken diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of continuing what it described as hostile actions despite repeated attempts to prevent relations from collapsing.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced the move on Thursday after summoning the UAE ambassador to formally communicate the decision. The Emirati envoy was given 48 hours to comply with the measure.
According to a statement carried by the Algerian Press Service, Algiers said it had “exhausted all means” available to preserve diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The ministry said numerous warnings had failed to change Abu Dhabi’s behaviour, adding that the UAE’s actions had reached a point that Algeria could no longer regard as acceptable conduct between sovereign states.
No specific incident was identified as the immediate cause of the diplomatic rupture. However, relations between Algeria and the UAE have become increasingly strained in recent years amid disputes over several major regional issues.
Algiers has accused Abu Dhabi of interfering in regional affairs, while the two governments have taken differing positions on Israel and conflicts affecting Libya, Sudan and the Sahel.
Western Sahara has also been a significant point of disagreement. Algeria supports the Polisario Front and its campaign for Sahrawi self-determination, while the UAE maintains close relations with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the disputed former Spanish territory.
In 2020, the UAE became the first Arab country to establish a consulate in Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara, further highlighting the governments’ opposing positions.
Algerian media have also alleged Emirati links to the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia. Algeria designated the organisation a terrorist group in 2021. The UAE has previously rejected allegations that it has attempted to destabilise Algeria.
Abu Dhabi had not publicly responded to the latest Algerian decision at the time of the announcement.
The diplomatic break comes amid wider tensions between the UAE and several African governments.
Sudan severed diplomatic relations with Abu Dhabi in May 2025, accusing the UAE of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during Sudan’s civil war and describing the Gulf nation as a “state of aggression.” The UAE has repeatedly denied supplying support to the RSF.
Somalia also moved against the UAE in January, terminating agreements covering defence cooperation, ports and government institutions. Mogadishu accused Abu Dhabi of undermining Somali sovereignty and political stability, although some regional administrations within Somalia opposed the decision.
Algeria’s decision therefore adds another significant diplomatic dispute to the UAE’s increasingly complicated relationships with governments across Africa.
