On the eve of Yemen’s 35th Unity Day, Dr. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a former advisor to the UAE government, stirred widespread anger in Yemen after posting a tweet endorsing separatist voices within the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

He wrote:
"The reformist voices within the STC who reject authoritarianism, elitism, and cliques in managing the council are right and deserve the support of all those who back the establishment of a South Arabian state."

The statement drew strong condemnation from Yemeni politicians and commentators, who said it contradicts the UAE’s official stance that repeatedly affirms its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity. Many saw the timing of the statement as a deliberate provocation on a national holiday.

Earlier that same day, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a congratulatory message to President Rashad al-Alimi of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council on the occasion of Unity Day. Two other UAE officials — Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed — also conveyed their best wishes to the Yemeni people.

Yemen marks Unity Day every May 22, commemorating the 1990 reunification of North and South Yemen — a pivotal moment in the country's modern history.