The Saudi state news agency SPA said Riyadh had closed its borders, severing land, sea and air contact with the tiny peninsula of oil-rich Qatar.
Qatar called the decision “unjustified” and with “no basis in fact”.
The unprecedented move is seen as a major split between powerful Gulf countries, who are also close US allies.
It comes amid heightened tensions between Gulf countries and their near-neighbour, Iran. The Saudi statement accused Qatar of collaborating with “Iranian-backed terrorist groups” in its restive Eastern region of Qatif and in Bahrain.
Latest developments:
Qataris given 14 days to leave the UAE
Qatar ejected from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen over alleged support of ISIS and al-Qaeda, according to Saudi state media
Yemen government cuts ties with Qatar
Emirates airline says it’s suspending all flights to and from Doha starting Tuesday morning
Kuwait, Oman only Gulf Cooperation Council members with ties to Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s state news agency announced the move to sever ties with Qatar Monday, saying it was seeking to “protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism.”
The Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthi rebels also expelled Qatar from its alliance, alleging support of “al-Qaeda and Daesh [also known as ISIS], as well as dealing with the rebel militias”, according to Saudi’s state media agency.
What has been the reaction?
Qatar, which is due to host the football World Cup in 2022, was critical of the decision. The foreign ministry said the decisions would “not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents”.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, speaking in Sydney, urged the countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.
