UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, October 18, to discuss regional developments, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and ways to promote security and stability. The meeting came as Saudi Arabia has faced a wave of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthis in recent weeks.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to expand joint cooperation. They also exchanged views on the latest regional developments and efforts to achieve lasting peace.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Khalid bin Salman met the UAE President at the direction of the Saudi leadership. According to the Saudi account, the two sides discussed regional developments, current priorities and the need for continued consultations on issues of mutual concern.

At the start of the meeting, the Saudi Defence Minister conveyed the greetings and messages of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to the UAE President. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, in turn, asked that his greetings be conveyed to the Saudi leaders.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President of the UAE; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and several other senior officials. Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, adviser to the Saudi defence minister for intelligence affairs, was also part of the Saudi delegation.

Khalid bin Salman, who was welcomed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed upon his arrival at Al Bateen Executive Airport, also held separate talks with the UAE Vice President on bilateral cooperation and regional security developments. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening coordination to support regional security and stability.

The visit came less than three weeks after Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed travelled to Riyadh. The UAE Vice President visited Saudi Arabia on September 29 at the invitation of Khalid bin Salman and met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi defence minister also attended the meeting.

The latest meeting between officials from the two countries comes as attacks by Yemen’s Houthis against Saudi Arabia have intensified in recent weeks. In the deadliest incident, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was targeted on Saturday, October 10, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300, according to official figures. In separate statements, the UAE condemned the Houthi attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abha and reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.