Saudi denies any differences with UAE - Khaleej Times

QUOTE. The AFP report quoted Gulf officials as saying that tension emerged as a result of objection of Saudis to UAE plans for a free trade deal with the US. The UAE is set to become the second Gulf country after Bahrain to sign a free trade pact with the US. Talks on a free trade deal are due to start between Washington and Abu Dhabi on March 8, to be followed on March 12 by the launching of similar negotiations with Oman. The report said Bahrain’s free trade deal with the US has angered Riyadh, which sees it as hindering GCC economic integration.

Another official told AFP that the plan to build a causeway between the UAE and Qatar raised tensions up a notch. UNQUOTE