UAE ‘at war’ will emerge stronger, says Mohammed bin Zayed

2026-03-07 - 19:03

ABU DHABI — UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said Saturday that the United Arab Emirates is “at war” and vowed the country would emerge stronger following a week of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE and the wider region.Speaking during a visit to civilians wounded in the attacks, the UAE president said the injured were “a responsibility on our shoulders.”He said he had visited five wounded civilians — two Emiratis, an Indian, a Sudanese and an Iranian — adding that “the UAE is doing well.”He thanked the country’s armed forces for their role “during this war,” and praised the work of security institutions for what he described as their honorable service to the country.The UAE leader also reassured expatriate residents, saying they remain valued members of the country’s society.“We are in a time of war, and I promise them that we will fulfill our duty,” he said.“This situation was imposed on us, and we are acting to protect ourselves, our families and our country.”Mohammed bin Zayed warned that the country’s prosperity and stability should not be mistaken for weakness.“The UAE is attractive, beautiful and a model, but do not be deceived,” he said. “The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh, we cannot be devoured.”“I promise everyone that we will emerge stronger than before,” he added.Regional tensions escalated after Iran on Feb. 28 launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf countries. Some of the attacks caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including ports and residential buildings.Tehran says the strikes were carried out in response to a U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.Earlier Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would refrain from targeting neighboring countries unless attacks against Iran originate from their territory.