UAE-linked companies begin evacuating activities in Socotra amid signs of regional influence shifts

SOCOTRA, Jan. 09 (YPA) – The UAE-affiliated “Prime Fish” company in the Socotra Archipelago officially, southern Yemen, announced on Thursday the suspension of its fish collection and export operations.

This coincides with similar moves by other Emirati companies that have begun evacuating their sites on the island.

In a released statement, the company attributed its decision to what it described as “general circumstances prevailing in the country.” This move concludes years of shipping fish from the archipelago to international markets—activities that have faced widespread local criticism and were characterized by observers as “unlawful exploitation” of the island’s resources.

Local residents reported that employees of the UAE-linked “Eastern Triangle” company have begun relocating equipment and contents from the “Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival.” This process was reportedly accompanied by complaints of vandalism affecting a public park.

Activists and residents in Socotra have called for an investigation into damages caused to public property during the evacuation. They further expressed expectations for the closure of remaining UAE-affiliated commercial entities operating in the fuel and domestic gas sectors.

Observers have linked these sudden withdrawals to the intensifying power struggle between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in the southern and eastern provinces. They noted that these steps coincide with trends aimed at ending the official Emirati role in the archipelago, prompting affiliated companies to dismantle investments that served as a cover for their presence over the past years.

YPA