President Sisi’s backing of Algeria is viewed by regional experts not as a total break with the UAE, but as an assertion of Egypt’s “weight” in the Mediterranean.
CAIRO / ALGIERS – In a move that signals a significant realignment in Arab geopolitics, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reportedly moved to strengthen Egypt’s strategic partnership with Algeria, providing a diplomatic “bulwark” as tensions between Algiers and Abu Dhabi reach a breaking point.
The shift comes as Algeria officially began procedures to terminate its air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 7, 2026, following months of accusations that the Gulf state is working to “destabilize” North Africa.
A New “Regional Triangle”
While Egypt has historically maintained deep financial ties with the UAE—highlighted by the $35 billion Ras El Hikma deal in 2024—Cairo’s foreign policy in early 2026 has taken a sharp turn toward a “sovereignty-first” approach.
- Bipartisan Support: In late January 2026, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, reaffirming a “shared commitment” to regional stability and rejecting foreign interference.
- The Sudan Connection: Analysts suggest the rift is driven by the conflict in Sudan. Egypt and Algeria both support the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), while the UAE has faced persistent (though denied) allegations of backing the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
- The “Ankara-Cairo-Algiers” Axis: President Sisi’s recent defense agreements with Turkish President Erdogan (February 2026) have paved the way for a new regional formation. This alliance is increasingly seen as a counter-weight to UAE expansionism in the Maghreb and the Sahel.
Algeria’s “Point of No Return”
The diplomatic crisis was catalyzed by reports from Algiers-linked media outlets, such as El-Khabar, which claim the UAE is funding separatist movements like the MAK (Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylia) to undermine Algerian national unity.
“Algeria harbors no hostility toward anyone, but it warns that the continuation of the UAE’s ‘conspiracy-minded’ policies could lead to a definitive diplomatic break.” — El-Khabar Editorial, January 2026.
Impact on the Region
| Sector | Potential Impact |
| Aviation | Termination of direct flights between Algiers, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi; increased costs for transit to Asia. |
| Security | Egypt and Algeria are coordinating more closely on the Libyan political process, seeking a “Libyan-led” solution without Gulf interference. |
| Investment | Cairo is pivoting toward Qatari and Turkish investments ($30B and $15B respectively) to reduce dependency on Emirati capital. |
The “Microphone” of Sovereignty
President Sisi’s backing of Algeria is viewed by regional experts not as a total break with the UAE, but as an assertion of Egypt’s “weight” in the Mediterranean. Much like the defiant stance seen by independent lawmakers in other parts of the globe, Sisi is signaling that Egypt’s national security interests—particularly regarding its neighbors Sudan and Libya—are not for sale.
