UAE warns against 'destabilising' Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi case

The UAE has warned against "destabilising" Saudi Arabia, as the Riyadh faces fierce criticism for its handling of the case surrounding the alleged murder of a Saudi journalist.

The Gulf state backed its neighbour with a call for calm on Friday, two weeks after Jamal Khahoggi disappeared when he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted that Abu Dhabi was "firmly" opposed to "politicisation (of the case) and efforts to destabilise Saudi Arabia", its close ally.

"From [the UAE's] perspective, the security, stability and role of the region in the international environment depends on Saudi Arabia with all the political, economic and religious burdens it carries," a tweet from Gargash read.

"In this sense, it is necessary to distinguish between the search for truth and its importance."

This follows threats carried in Saudi media that Riyadh could harm the global economy.

This was likely referring to potential action by the US and European countries against Saudi Arabia, if Riyadh was found to be behind Khashoggi's killing.

Turkish intelligence sources have leaked reports to media about the circumstances of Khashoggi's alleged death.

They claimed that a 15 man murder squad was sent to Istanbul from Turkey to murder the journalist, due to his critical views of the Saudi journalist.

A number of Saudi allies in the West have boycotted an investment forum in Riyadh later this month organised by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

US President Donald Trump took a tougher line against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, warning there will be a strong response from Washington if Riyadh is found to be behind the crime.

Touted as a reformer by his supporters, the crown prince has faced criticism over his alleged involvement in the killing of Khashoggi.

Bin Salman is a close friend and ally of UAE de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Zayed.

Both countries are involved in the war in Yemen, while the two states led a blockade on the State of Qatar last year.