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What's happening in the Saudi decision-making? Why do we see disagreements between KSA and the UAE? Is it true that MBS is in disagreement with King Salman on the relationship with the UAE?
To answer these questions, it is important to realize that MBS foreign policy has changed since the beginning of 2019; I would say to a wiser direction. This is mainly attributed to the important changes in MBS's inner circle and close advisers.
Saud Al-Qahtani and Turki Al-Sheikh enjoyed unrestricted access to MBS. Their main focus was Qatar where they used any means possible to contempt and attack Qatari leadership after the breakout of the GCC Crisis in June 2017.
Those two figures also enjoyed the support of Emirati leaderships and appeared with them in different pictures although they do not have any proper title like a minister nor they belonged to the royal family. Their harsh attack of Qatar was what made them the UAE's favorites.
However, after the Khashoggi murder and the international decry on the Saudi leadership, Saud al-Qahtani was the escape goat and was dismissed for his unwise policies that could have taken MBS out of the throne.
After the significant distortion of Saudi international reputation for the Khashoggi murder, Yemen war and many other issues, MBS realized the need to rely on more experienced advisers. This resulted in reshuffles that took place in late 2018 and appointment of new advisers,
including Musaid Al-Aiban, whose advice is currently considered by MBS in a number of important portfolios including Yemen. I think recently the Saudi leadership realized that they have been dragged into conditions that serve the interests of the UAE rather than Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi decision-making wants to show more wisdom yet assertiveness as well of their interests particularly in their southern neighbor Yemen. The direction is now for more strategic Saudi thinking rather than being confined to some issues like Qatar's.
In all of this, King Salman's role is secondary and all important domestic and foreign policy decisions are overseen by MBS. Despite his closeness to MBZ, MBS is now considering some advice where it might put the Kingdom in conflict with the UAE.
