The United Arab Emirates president, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared that his country is “in a time of war” while reassuring citizens and residents that the nation is prepared to defend itself against any threats. His remarks, the first public comments since Iran launched missiles at Gulf targets amid US-Israeli strikes, came during a visit on Friday to those injured in the attacks and were broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV on Saturday.
UAE SENDS STRONG WARNING TO ENEMIES
“The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh, we are no easy prey,” Mohammed bin Zayed said, signalling a firm stance against aggression. “We will carry out our duty towards our country, our people, and our residents who are also part of our family.”
He emphasised that the UAE, which includes seven emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, would protect everyone in the country.
IRANIAN ATTACKS MUST STOP, SAYS EMIRATI OFFICIAL
An Emirati official added on Saturday that the UAE wanted the Iranian aggression against non-combatant Gulf states to end immediately. “Any sort of escalation is worrying. We want to contain the war. We don’t want the war to expand. Iranians need to realise they are not helping themselves by attacking their whole neighbourhood,” the official said.
The official also said that any future negotiated settlement with Iran would no longer be confined to nuclear issues, with missiles now taking centre stage in regional security concerns.
UAE DEFENCES ACTIVELY RESPONDING
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed on X that the country’s air defences were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. The official added that preparations for national resilience were underway, including food stockpiles and facilities, while the country’s economic fundamentals and tax regime remained strong and attractive.
French military support has also been “stellar,” the official said, with Rafale jets deployed from the start, participating in ongoing patrols to intercept missiles and drones.
COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE AND NORMALCY
The UAE leadership stressed that defence of the country and its residents remained the top priority. “We will continue defending the country and everybody here, making sure we slowly go back to normal,” the official said.
Mohammed bin Zayed’s remarks mark the UAE’s first direct public statement since the conflict escalated, highlighting both the seriousness of the threat and the country’s determination to protect its people and maintain stability in the region.
