UAE’s withdrawal from Yemen last week stranded ~600 tourists on remote Socotra island, as Saudi-UAE tensions halt flights amid shifting civil war allegiances.
Air access froze at Socotra’s airport, once UAE-dependent, now signaling Saudi sway as mainland clashes intensify between their backed factions.
Stranded Voices
- Lithuanian Aurelija Krikstaponiene, post-New Year’s visitor: “Nobody has info; everyone wants normalcy.” Her Abu Dhabi return rerouted via Jeddah.
- Polish Maciej (with 100-strong group): Cash dwindling fast—no ATMs, cards, transfers. “In days, we’ll camp and beg food.”
Socotra’s Strategic Prize
300km off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, the “unsinkable aircraft carrier” guards Bab al-Mandab trade routes (Europe-Asia-Africa). UAE seized it in 2018 via troops/infrastructure, eyeing surveillance and influence, per King’s College London’s Andreas Krieg: “Control access, control everything.”
Gulf Rift Unravels Plans
Saudi airstrikes hit UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists running Socotra—who seek southern independence. Airport sources: No Emirati oversight; Yemeni airlines plan Jan 7 Jeddah flight. Troops reportedly left last month.
UAE poured cash via Sheikh Khalifa Foundation: power, water, gas, airport upgrades—sparking niche tourism for dragon blood trees and beaches. But Yemen’s war loomed unheeded.
Romanian Bianca Cus stays optimistic: “Enjoying every day, longer stay or not.”
