Riyadh, 18 October, 2026 (Nosheen): The United Arab Emirates has reportedly agreed to re-enter the conflict in Yemen by resuming financial support for certain government forces fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in the south, according to sources in Yemen. Under the reported arrangement, Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide air support to anti-Houthi forces as advances by the Iran-backed group raise concerns among Gulf states. The cooperation marks a potential step towards easing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen’s future, as the growing influence of Houthi fighters has alarmed regional governments. Saudi Arabia has been facing daily drone and missile attacks, with Houthi strikes disrupting operations at airports and affecting parts of the country’s energy infrastructure. Southern Yemeni forces, particularly the Giant Brigades, were previously trained and funded by the UAE and are considered among the most effective formations within the fragmented anti-Houthi military coalition. However, the UAE withdrew its forces from operations inside Yemen in January, cutting off its financial support to these groups. Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE has publicly responded to a recent demand by southern Yemeni separatists for a referendum on secession. The proposed move could restore the borders that existed between 1967 and 1990, when North and South Yemen were separate states. The reported agreement highlights renewed regional efforts to counter Houthi advances and reshape cooperation among Gulf countries over the future of Yemen.