Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE, Bans Aircraft

Algeria has officially cut diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing it of engaging in a series of "provocative or hostile" actions despite prior warnings. The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced this decision on Thursday, stating that it could no longer maintain the relationship.

The UAE ambassador was summoned and given 48 hours to comply with the decision. Additionally, Algeria has banned all UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft from its airspace starting Friday, although UAE commercial flights to and from Algiers will continue until the end of 2026, when the current agreement expires.

The UAE expressed hope that the diplomatic break would not be permanent, emphasizing its appreciation for the Algerian people. Tensions have been rising between the two nations due to differing stances on issues such as normalization with Israel and the Western Sahara conflict.

Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune has criticized the UAE, labeling it a "micro-state" and accusing it of destabilizing the region.