Hundreds of Tourists Stranded on Yemen’s Remote Socotra Island Amid Saudi-UAE Rift

SOCOTRA, Yemen (TRI) — As Yemen’s long-running civil war enters a volatile new phase, hundreds of international tourists find themselves stranded on the remote island of Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and unique biodiversity. With flights grounded due to escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visitors from around the globe are facing uncertainty, frustration, and limited options for departure. As of January 6, 2026, reports indicate that evacuations may begin as early as Wednesday, but the situation underscores the risks of adventure travel in geopolitically unstable regions.

Tourism Reporter delves into the unfolding crisis, highlighting the nationalities of those affected, the reasons behind the stranding, and the broader implications for Yemen’s nascent tourism sector.

Background on Socotra: A Hidden Gem in Peril

Socotra, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean located between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, is often called the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” due to its extraordinary flora and fauna. Home to the iconic dragon’s blood tree—found nowhere else on Earth—along with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life, the island has emerged as a niche destination for eco-tourists and adventurers. Despite its isolation from Yemen’s mainland conflict, Socotra has benefited from UAE investments since 2018, including infrastructure upgrades like airports, electricity, and water systems, transforming it into a regional tourism hub.

However, the island remains under the control of Yemen’s UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group. This has placed Socotra at the center of recent regional frictions, particularly as Saudi Arabia and the UAE—once allies in Yemen’s war—now support opposing factions. The rift has led to airstrikes, territorial shifts, and disruptions that have spilled over to affect civilian travel.

The Stranded Tourists: A Diverse Group Caught in the Crossfire

Estimates vary, but between 400 and 600 tourists are currently unable to leave Socotra, with many having arrived via flights from Abu Dhabi before air traffic halted. The group represents a global mix, drawn to the island’s unique allure but now facing an unexpected ordeal.

Highlighting their nationalities:

• Americans: Several U.S. citizens are among the stranded, including at least one anonymous tourist who reported “hundreds of Westerners” on the island. The U.S. Department of State has advised against all travel to Yemen, including Socotra, and noted limited consular services.
• Europeans: A significant portion hails from Europe, including up to 100 Poles (with groups like Rocky Road Travel reporting 14 affected), British, French, Dutch (including a Dutch-Polish family with children and a grandchild), and Lithuanians (such as Aurelija Krikstaponiene).
• Russians: Over 60 Russian tourists are stuck, adding to the diverse nationalities.
• Chinese: At least two Chinese nationals are reported among the group.

Tourists have described feeling safe on the island itself, with no immediate shortages of food or supplies, but express growing anxiety over the lack of clear information and departure options. One American noted, “There’s all sorts of Westerners here. There’s hundreds of them,” while a Dutch-Polish traveler, Gerrit van Wijngaarden, lamented, “A lot of planes came, but no planes are leaving anymore… We hope that somebody is doing something.”

Reasons for the Stranding: A Regional Rift Boils Over

The crisis stems from a deepening feud between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, former partners in Yemen’s civil war against the Houthis. In recent weeks, the STC—backed by the UAE—has expanded its control in southern Yemen, prompting Saudi airstrikes and territorial counteroffensives. A key flashpoint occurred when Saudi forces bombed a UAE-linked shipment in the port city of Mukalla, leading to a state of emergency and the closure of all Yemeni ports of entry, including Socotra’s airport.

The UAE’s subsequent withdrawal of troops from Yemen, under a Saudi-imposed deadline, has further disrupted air traffic, shifting control of Socotra’s airport and halting commercial flights. Tourists report that incoming planes arrived but departures were canceled, leaving them in limbo. The island’s isolation—previously a shield from mainland violence—has now become a trap amid these geopolitical maneuvers.

Rescue and Evacuation Efforts: Hope on the Horizon?

Efforts to resolve the situation are underway, with flights potentially resuming this week. Yemeni airlines are planning a flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 7, marking a possible shift in airport control. Some tourists have been advised by embassies to consider commercial ships to Oman, followed by flights home, though arrangements remain spotty.

Local officials in Hadramout have pledged to restore services soon, including airports, amid meetings with political and tribal groups. However, embassies—operating from nearby capitals like Riyadh—have provided limited assistance due to the absence of diplomatic presence in Yemen. Cash shortages are an added challenge, as the island lacks ATMs or payment terminals, forcing reliance on bank transfers that may not function.

Implications for Tourism: A Wake-Up Call for Adventure Travelers

This incident highlights the fragility of tourism in conflict-adjacent areas, even those marketed as “safe havens.” Socotra’s appeal—bolstered by UAE-backed packages—has drawn visitors unaware of underlying risks, with many reporting no warnings during booking. The stranding could deter future travel, impacting Yemen’s economy and the island’s budding industry.

For travelers, experts recommend monitoring State Department advisories and securing comprehensive insurance. As Socotra’s future hangs in the balance, the event serves as a reminder that paradise can quickly turn precarious.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves.