Saudi Defence Pact With Turkey and Pakistan Sparks UAE Backlash

A new defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan has triggered a public dispute between Saudi and Emirati voices, highlighting tensions over Riyadh’s regional security strategy.

Signed in Mecca on August 7, the agreement commits the three countries to treating an armed attack against one member as an attack against all. The pact has prompted criticism from prominent Emirati commentator Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, who argued that strengthening cooperation within the Gulf Cooperation Council should remain Saudi Arabia’s priority.

Saudi figures rejected the criticism, stressing Riyadh’s right to pursue security agreements that serve its national interests. Saudi analyst Fahad al-Arabi al-Harthi said the pact was designed to strengthen collective deterrence and defence rather than target a specific common enemy.

The dispute has also revived criticism of the UAE’s own security ties with Israel and India, with Saudi voices questioning why Abu Dhabi’s partnerships are accepted while Saudi Arabia’s agreement with Turkey and Pakistan is challenged.