The United Arab Emirates increasingly poses a source of tension for Algeria. On January 10th, 2024, the High Security Council (HCS), convened by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and comprising the country’s top security officials, expressed “regret regarding hostile actions emanating from a fraternal Arab country” without officially naming it.
Algerian media took it upon themselves to identify the culprit, naming the United Arab Emirates, accused of pursuing a “harmful” policy towards Algeria in the region. In response, the Algerian government has adopted a new approach towards Abu Dhabi, specifically targeting economic measures.
Ban on Certain Actions
Algerian judiciary now prohibits notaries from drafting notarial deeds signed by Algerian-Emirati joint ventures. This decision could terminate the contract between the Algerian United Tobacco Company and the Emirati company responsible for tobacco production and distribution, Steam. According to local media, this company, acquired by an Emirati investor in 2005, was supposed to generate revenue for the Algerian state but has become unprofitable.
A Silent Crisis
It is suspected of transferring funds abroad. However, some observers interpret this decision within the framework of the silent crisis between the two countries since the summer of 2023. Disagreements over regional geopolitics persist on multiple fronts.