The tension between Algeria and Abu Dhabi is no longer confined to political statements, but has moved to the level of practical decisions, with Algeria announcing the cancellation of the air transport services agreement signed in 2013, in a new indication of a worsening crisis, amid mutual accusations and complex regional calculations.

Published on: 09/02/2026 - 16:22

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The crisis between the United Arab Emirates and Algeria intensified after the latter announced the cancellation of the agreement related to air services with the Emirates, which was signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013.

This new escalatory step comes only two days after the interview conducted by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune with Algerian media, in which he spoke again about the deterioration of relations with the UAE without mentioning it.

Tebboune said: “We have good and good relations with all the Gulf countries except with one country or “statelet” (in a veiled reference to the Emirates) that tried to interfere in the elections and in other matters and threatened to impoverish us.” Tebboune continued, speaking in Algerian colloquial language: “Do not leave us regretting the day we met you.”

“Algeria does not have many deterrent solutions with the UAE.”

For its part, the UAE responded on Sunday to Algeria’s decision via the English-language Golf News website, saying: “After the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria was notified of the termination of the air transport services agreement between the two countries, the General Authority of Civil Aviation clarified that this measure falls within the framework of the mechanisms stipulated in international agreements, and does not have any immediate impact on air traffic.”

Read also the most prominent milestones in relations between Algeria and the Emirates

She continued: “The General Civil Aviation Authority is coordinating its efforts through official channels with all concerned parties, stressing that it is dealing with these developments “responsibly and professionally, and in accordance with the applicable legal and diplomatic frameworks.”

The agreement signed between Algeria and Abu Dhabi grants the transport authorities of both countries to appoint one or more air transport companies between the two countries.

In addition to organizing regular, unrestricted flights between the two countries, this agreement also allows for the cancellation or restriction of operating licenses for specific air transport companies in the event of their violation of the laws.

Algerian analyst and journalist Ali Boukhlaf believes that the decision taken by Algeria “could harm the interests of the Emirates Air Transport Company as it frequently uses Algerian airspace when it operates flights to the Maghreb region and the countries of the Sahel region,” acknowledging at the same time that “Algeria does not have many deterrent solutions with the Emirates.”

“There is a trend towards severing relations between the two countries.”

He continued: "I believe that Algeria and the UAE are moving towards severing diplomatic relations between them. This will be embodied on the ground when a future crisis erupts between them," noting that "Abu Dhabi did not announce any deterrent measure against Algeria. Rather, it was the latter that moved on the accusation that this Gulf state is trying to destabilize its internal stability through its intervention in many crises such as Libya, the Sahel region, and Mali, as well as in the issue of the Mac movement."

He concluded: “I believe that Algeria is exploiting the crisis with the UAE for the sake of internal consumption and unifying the home front because the UAE’s investments in Algeria are, in fact, large. It owns shares in the Algerian Tobacco Industry Company and operates some Algerian airports.”

As for Saif Al-Din Qaddash, an expert in strategic and political studies, he said in an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV that Algeria, perhaps after “appreciating that preserving its people and its airspace are risks that the UAE can exploit, took the decision to cancel the agreement related to air services.”

Repeated accusations

The Algerian authorities, on more than one occasion, accused the UAE, without naming it explicitly, of being behind activities hostile to the interests of Algeria, and of contributing to the destabilization of a number of countries in the region.

During a meeting held by the Algerian Supreme Security Council on January 10, 2024, he expressed his regret over “the hostile actions towards Algeria, issued by a brotherly Arab country,” in a clear reference to the UAE.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune also made similar criticism in March 2024, stressing that “this state’s money is present in all hotspots of tension, whether in Mali, Libya, or Sudan.”

In October 2025, President Tebboune renewed his accusations against the UAE, without naming it, of interfering in Algeria’s internal affairs.

Read also: What are the causes of tension between Algeria and the Emirates?

During a visit he made to the headquarters of the Algerian Ministry of Defense, Tebboune stated: “We face problems with those who seek to sow chaos inside our home for suspicious reasons. He interferes in issues that even major powers prevent us from interfering in. How can I allow him to interfere in our internal affairs? Let him respect himself, and we will remain brothers.”

This escalation in official discourse reflects increasing tension in relations between the two countries, in light of repeated accusations of interference in the affairs of the region and destabilization.

France 24

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