European report: Escalating rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE for influence in the Red Sea

A European report confirmed on Thursday the escalating rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE within the framework of a conflict that transcends economic aspects to encompass the reshaping of regional influence balances in the Red Sea and strategic waterways.

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According to the report issued by the European Council on Foreign Relations and the Danayan Institute for Strategic Research in June 2026, “Sudan has become one of the most prominent arenas of this rivalry, in light of the differing approaches of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi towards the Sudanese crisis.”

It indicated that this has complicated the political and security scene and increased the risks of division within Sudan.

The report stated: “Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Egypt, continues to support the Sudanese army led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, based on a vision aimed at preserving Sudan’s unity and the cohesion of its state institutions.”

In contrast, international reports and analyses indicate continued Emirati support for the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti” within the context of an influence struggle related to ports, resources, and strategic locations.

The report noted that the Sudanese coast and the Red Sea are witnessing an escalation in regional rivalry, coinciding with growing international interest in the maritime corridors extending from Bab Al-Mandeb to the Horn of Africa, due to their strategic importance in the movement of global trade and energy.

The report warned that the continuation of the Sudanese conflict and the multiplicity of external interventions could exacerbate the risks of the Sudanese state’s disintegration and deepen regional polarization, which could negatively impact Red Sea security and the stability of international navigation.

It concluded that Sudan’s future is now largely linked to the outcomes of the regional and international rivalry surrounding influence, resources, and sensitive geopolitical positions in the region.