Overview
- Some UAE companies have withdrawn from the World Defense Show in Riyadh, according to two sources with direct knowledge.
- It remains unclear whether all exhibitors in the UAE country pavilion have pulled out.
- The exhibition is scheduled for February 8–12 in the Saudi capital.
- There was no immediate comment from the UAE foreign ministry or the Saudi government media office.
- The strain follows December incidents in Yemen, including a Saudi-led strike on a UAE-linked shipment at Mukalla, the UAE pullout from Yemen, and a Saudi allegation that a Yemeni separatist leader was aided in escaping via Somalia, while cross-border dealmaking largely continues as firms quietly prepare for potential disruptions.