ABU DHABI — Monday, October 19, 2026 — Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman travelled to Abu Dhabi on Sunday for high-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as the two Gulf powers deepened coordination amid the kingdom’s ongoing confrontation with Yemen’s Houthi militia.
The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shatie at the direction of the Saudi leadership, focused on regional developments and priorities for the coming period, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Khalid conveyed greetings and best wishes from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the UAE president, who reciprocated with greetings to the Saudi leadership, according to state media.
In a post on X following the meeting, Prince Khalid said both sides “reaffirmed the depth of the fraternal and historic relations between our two countries” and discussed “regional developments and ways to strengthen cooperation and joint Gulf action.”
The UAE’s official news agency WAM said the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments “with the aim of contributing to strengthening security and stability and achieving lasting peace in the region.”
Senior UAE leadership at the table
Attending the meeting were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE vice president, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s deputy ruler and national security adviser, alongside other senior officials, according to reports.
Earlier on Sunday, Prince Khalid held a separate meeting with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. The two officials reviewed bilateral relations and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination across various sectors, WAM reported.
Their discussions also covered regional developments and issues of mutual concern, with both sides emphasising the importance of cooperation in supporting regional security and stability.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described Prince Khalid’s visit as “successful,” saying his meeting with Sheikh Mohamed underscored the depth and strength of Saudi-Emirati relations.
Talks amid widening escalation
The talks unfolded against a backdrop of widening confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On Sunday, Saudi Civil Defence said a Houthi projectile struck a residential area in Najran, injuring six residents and damaging three homes and three vehicles, while Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remained suspended following repeated strikes.
Gulf foreign ministers have called for dialogue to ease tensions, while Egypt and Pakistan have condemned the attacks on the kingdom.
The visit follows a flurry of regional diplomacy. Egypt’s parliament is expected to vote on authorising military support for Saudi Arabia, and Washington has warned American citizens across the region of further rapid escalation in the days ahead.
