The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday recalled its diplomats from Beirut in "solidarity" with Saudi Arabia over a Lebanese minister's remarks about the Saudi-led coalition's military operation in Yemen.

"The UAE announced the withdrawal of its diplomats from Lebanon in solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in light of the unacceptable approach of some Lebanese officials towards Saudi Arabia," the Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Almarar said in a statement.

It "also decided to prevent its citizens from traveling to Lebanon," the statement said. 

Almarar emphasized that despite the diplomatic recall, work will continue in the Beirut mission's consular section and visa center.

The crisis broke out Friday when Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Lebanon and ordered the Lebanese envoy to leave the kingdom within 48 hours, following Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi described the Yemeni Houthi militia's actions against the Saudi-led coalition as "self-defense."

Hours later, Bahrain followed suit and Kuwait announced similar measures on Saturday.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Kordahi dismissed claims accusing him of hostility against Saudi Arabia.

Kordahi's comments have sparked calls for him to resign or be sacked, while Lebanon's Hezbollah has refused to bow to Saudi Arabia's demand for his resignation.

(With input from agencies)