BDVoice | US Middle East policy

How the UAE Assembled a Military Ring to Dominate the Gulf of Aden

Satellite imagery analyzed by Middle East Eye reveals that the United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded its network of military and intelligence bases, stretching from the Socotra Islands in the Indian Ocean to the coastlines of Somalia and Yemen. This growing ring of strategic control—located near one of the world’s busiest maritime routes—has rapidly intensified following the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The UAE’s key allies, including Israel and the United States, have reportedly been involved in the establishment and expansion of these bases.