Algerian President accuses UAE of meddling in elections
ALGIERS, Feb. 10 (YPA) – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has, for the first time, accused a foreign country of meddling in the country’s elections, in remarks widely interpreted as referring to the United Arab Emirates, the only Gulf state with strained ties to Algiers.
During his regular television address on Saturday evening, Tebboune said: “There is a country, which I will not name, that tried to interfere in our first and second elections [referring to presidential polls], threatened to impoverish Algeria through international arbitration… let them go to arbitration if they wish. We hope to continue to be a force of stability and good, and whoever digs against us will fall into the evil of their own deeds.”
Algerian President Tebboune called the #UAE a “minor state,” And accused it of meddling in elections!
He praised strong ties with #Egypt, #SaudiArabia, #Qatar, and #Kuwait, stressing regional unity and #Libya’s right to decide its own future.
— Adel Alomran (@alomran_adel) February 8, 2026
The comments have reignited questions over the future of Algerian-UAE relations, amid previous media speculation about a potential diplomatic break with Abu Dhabi. Observers have also long speculated about UAE influence during the 2019 presidential elections, particularly during the popular protest movement that preceded Tebboune’s victory.
The remarks coincided with Algeria taking its first practical measure against Abu Dhabi: the cancellation of the air transport agreement between the two countries. The move effectively ends automatic overflight rights, landing, takeoff, and regular flights for both passenger and cargo operations.
Under a 12-month transition period, UAE airlines will require prior authorization to transit Algerian airspace or make stops for refueling or logistical purposes. The same restrictions apply to Algerian carriers operating in UAE airspace.
@E.Y.M