UAE takes new measures to limit Saudi influence in Socotra

SOCOTRA, Jan. 22 (YPA) – The UAE has taken new measures to gain the loyalty of local figures on the Yemeni island of Socotra to limit the influence of Saudi forces, following the latter’s intention to impose its control over the districts of Hadramout coast, eastern Yemen.

Through the so-called “Khalifa Foundation,” which is managed by intelligence Emirati officers, the UAE distributed financial rewards in Emirati dirhams to social figures, members of the local authority, and young activists from the people of Hadibo and other areas in the island.

During previous years, it distributed funds to limited names, but since the beginning of this year 2024, it has attracted dozens of new beneficiaries to recruit them to its ranks.

Abu Dhabi sought to curb Saudi Arabia’s influence in Socotra after the Saudi military official Sultan Al-Baqami’s visit to the island amid his country’s efforts to control coastal districts in Hadramout.

The UAE has taken Socotra Island as a joint military base with the Zionist entity, and has established a number of maritime observation centers in Abd al-Kuri island towards the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab since the second half of the year 2020.

YPA