Algeria stands firm on decision to cut ties with UAE, says president

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has reaffirmed his country's commitment to its decision to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, stressing that Algeria will not reverse the move, which he said followed disputes between the two nations that had reached a critical point.

Speaking during his regular meeting with national media representatives, Tebboune said Algeria was instrumental in establishing the Emirati oil company, accusing Abu Dhabi of attempting to exert "domination" in a bid to control Algeria.

The Algerian president reiterated his country's rejection of any attempts to undermine its sovereignty or interfere in its internal affairs, emphasizing that Algeria is a "sacred land for which millions of martyrs sacrificed their lives." He added that he has no right to compromise Algeria's sovereignty "not for the UAE nor for anyone else."

On September 10, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the severance of diplomatic ties with the UAE and gave the Emirati ambassador 48 hours to leave the country.

At the time, the foreign ministry said all means to preserve bilateral relations had been exhausted, citing what it described as increasing "provocative and hostile actions" by Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, the Algerian Ministry of Defense announced the closure of Algerian airspace to all civilian and military aircraft registered in the UAE, with the exception of scheduled commercial flights to Houari Boumediene Airport, which will continue until their contracts expire at the end of 2026.