News - Yemen: Local reports from Socotra reveal that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), through its Khalifa Foundation, has initiated controversial construction on land belonging to Socotra International Airport.

The Emirati Khalifa Foundation-affiliated companies have reportedly fenced off a 160-meter-wide strip along the airport’s length. These activities include constructing facilities allegedly intended for monitoring and tracking the movement of citizens through the airport.

Socotra Airport Director Abdullah Al-Khadr notified the Civil Aviation Authority of the foundation’s request to establish an external gate for the airport, citing approval from a figure claiming to be the Minister of Transport under the occupation’s authority.

Previously, it was reported that Emirati delegate Khalfan Al-Mazrouei had seized portions of the airport’s land, using excavations to separate the appropriated area from the airport, particularly near the runway’s northeastern coastal side.

Emirati entities are also reported to be actively purchasing land adjacent to the airport, further appropriating parts of its property under claims of private ownership.

In October, local sources confirmed that the deputy governor, aligned with the occupation authorities, handed over the airport’s fence and gate project to the Khalifa Foundation, despite objections from the airport administration.

Residents of Socotra have condemned the worsening living conditions on the island, including the collapsing local currency, fuel and electricity crises, and exorbitant flight costs. A round-trip ticket on Yemenia Airlines now exceeds $400 per person.

Tribal leader Ali Al-Daksami of the Dacsum tribes has called for protecting Socotra from the UAE’s attempts to seize island land and control the airport, urging resistance against actions led by Emirati delegate Khalfan Al-Mazrouei.

The UAE’s involvement in the aggressive war on Yemen over the past nine years has faced widespread criticism for violating Yemen’s sovereignty and unity. The UAE aims to extend its influence over Yemen’s coastal areas and strengthen control over strategic maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and towards the Horn of Africa.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have fueled competition for influence in occupied Yemeni governorates, with both nations forming alliances with local factions to achieve their respective goals.