White House Advisor Massad Boulos Says US Maintains Daily Military Coordination with UAE and Saudi Arabia on Red Sea Security

The United States is in constant coordination with the UAE and Saudi Arabia over security around Bab-el-Mandeb and the wider Red Sea, Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, said on September 16. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Boulos said Washington is maintaining direct contact with its regional partners and conducting daily military coordination on Red Sea security. He stated that US President Donald Trump is in direct contact with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The statement comes as regional shipping and energy markets remain under pressure from ongoing security concerns in key maritime corridors. The Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb strait serve as critical chokepoints for global energy and trade flows, with disruptions affecting shipping costs, insurance premiums, and delivery schedules. The coordination between the US and Gulf partners reflects the strategic importance both sides place on maintaining freedom of navigation through these waterways. The Arab Media Summit, which opened September 15, is bringing together more than 10,000 media professionals from 23 countries for a three-day conference running through September 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The 24th edition marks the largest in the event 24-year history and features eight specialized forums alongside keynote addresses from regional officials and media executives.