The story: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has dismissed reports of mounting tensions between the Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the chief diplomat acknowledged that “the two sides do not agree on some issues.” This comes as Abu Dhabi and Riyadh continue to compete for foreign investment to realize respective development agendas, and as they diverge on key regional issues.

The coverage: Jeddah-based Okaz daily on Mar. 8 cited Farhan as calling reports of tensions with the UAE “exaggerated.”

• At a conference the previous day, Farhan highlighted consensus among OPEC+ members—a group of oil-producing states which Saudi Arabia effectively leads. The remark has been interpreted by some observers as geared to dismiss any disagreement between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on oil production levels.

• Abu Dhabi-based UAE71 news echoed the Saudi top diplomat’s statements on Mar. 8 regarding the strength of the Emirati-Saudi...