Huthi missile attacks on Abu Dhabi face constraints

Significance

This came as Emirati-backed forces continued their advance towards Yemen’s Marib city. On January 17 and 24, the Huthis launched major long-range missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which intercepted most of the projectiles but still suffered three deaths.

Impacts

• Israel’s National Day event at the Dubai Expo on January 31 could be an attractive Huthi target.
• An open-ended pattern of missile and drone attacks, even if ineffective, would damage Dubai’s economy in particular.
• UAE-backed forces have the military capacity to advance further against the Huthis, securing Marib city.