January 1, 2026 – Saudi Arabia Headlines

Story gist: Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi met with the US ambassador. The Southern Transitional Council refused to withdraw from Hadramout.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Al Jazeera reports neutrally via title on al-Alimi’s meeting and the Transitional Council’s refusal to withdraw from Hadramout, highlighting the impasse. Right-leaning Al Arabiya adds emphasis on al-Alimi’s warning of regional security threats and US support for Yemen’s unity, framing it as a stability issue. No center outlets, leaving moderate perspectives absent.

Story gist: The United Arab Emirates announced the withdrawal of its forces from Yemen. The announcement came amid escalation and a Saudi strike.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Al Jazeera frames the story via Saudi/UAE media contrasts of ‘firmness versus reproach,’ emphasizing Gulf rivalries and media spin on Yemen developments. Center DW stresses ‘escalation and Saudi strike’ before UAE pullout, implying Saudi provocation. Right-leaning Al Arabiya simply states UAE ‘ends military presence,’ omitting escalations or Saudi role for neutral tone.

Story gist: Sources in the Southern Transitional Council denied withdrawing from positions in Yemen’s Hadhramaut region.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets absent; no coverage of pro-Houthi or anti-STC viewpoints. Center (Sky News Arabia) neutrally reports the denial by STC sources. Right-leaning (Al Riyadh) frames it positively as a firm Saudi position restoring legitimacy to the Yemeni government and countering escalations in Hadhramaut and Mahra, emphasizing Saudi support over the denial itself.

Story gist: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology issued alerts for strong winds and dust affecting 11 regions. Warnings predict near-zero visibility.

Bias summary: No left-leaning coverage present, leaving that perspective absent. Center outlet (Al Marsad) frames with exclamatory tone on ‘active winds limiting horizontal visibility,’ emphasizing revelation of daily forecast. Right outlet (Sabq) mirrors title’s dramatic ‘winds and dust hit’ phrasing and direct ‘near-zero visibility’ warnings, focusing on impacts and alerts without added excitement.

Story gist: Egypt’s Foreign Ministry commented on recent developments in Yemen. Yemen’s Foreign Ministry praised Saudi Arabia’s pivotal and responsible role.

Bias summary: Left-leaning CNN Arabic frames story around Egypt’s Foreign Ministry comments on Yemen developments, emphasizing Egyptian viewpoint without details. No center-leaning coverage present, leaving neutral perspective absent. Right-leaning Al Riyadh highlights Yemeni Foreign Ministry’s praise for Saudi Arabia’s ‘pivotal and responsible’ role, using positive tone to commend Kingdom. Left omits Saudi praise; right omits Egyptian input.