In an unusual move, Saudi Arabia filed a complaint with the United Nations against its neighbor and ally the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi declared a disputed maritime zone between the two countries a "protected maritime zone".
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Riyadh emphasized that it rejects the decree issued by the Emirates in 2019 declaring al-Yasat a protected area, while accusing Abu Dhabi of encroaching on its territory.
The Al-Yasat area, which consists of four islands, was first declared a marine reserve in a 2005 decree. However, Saudi Arabia has stated that it does not recognize any steps taken by the Emirati government in this area off the coast of Saudi Arabia.
It should be noted that there have been territorial disputes between the two Gulf countries since the establishment of the Emirates in 1971, but the complaint to the UN is an unusual step on the part of the Saudis.
Although outwardly they are close allies, in recent years the two countries have been in an increasing competition for economic and commercial hegemony in the Gulf region.