UAE ‘not an easy target’, President Sheikh Mohamed warns enemies
Visits injured victims and praises unity among citizens and residents
ABU DHABI – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has warned that the country should not be mistaken for weak, stressing that the UAE is “not an easy target” and will emerge stronger from the ongoing war.
In his first public remarks since the escalation began, the President reaffirmed that protecting citizens, residents and visitors remains the nation’s highest priority.
Speaking during a televised interview while visiting victims injured in recent attacks who are receiving treatment in hospital, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed praised the unity displayed across the country and the dedication of the armed forces and national institutions working to safeguard the UAE.
President’s message
Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE may appear attractive and inspiring, but its strength should never be underestimated.
“The UAE is attractive; the UAE is beautiful; the UAE is a role model,” he said. “But I say to the enemies of the UAE: do not be misled by the UAE’s appearance. The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are no easy prey.”
He stressed that the country will continue fulfilling its responsibility to defend the nation and protect everyone who lives within it.
To all those who call the UAE home and guests in our beloved nation.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 7, 2026
The UAE places its security and the protection of all citizens, residents, and visitors at the very top of its priorities. With God’s grace, the UAE is fully prepared to confront these threats.
I extend my…
“I promise them that we will fulfil our duty, because it is our obligation to protect our people and our country,” the President said.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed also praised the role of Emiratis and residents during the challenging period.
“The Emiratis who live in this country have fulfilled their duties in a way that brings pride and honour, exactly as we expect of them,” he said.
“As for the residents among us, they are our guests and our family. Their positions and actions make us proud. We hope they will forgive us if we have fallen short in any way.”
Hospital visit
Earlier on Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed visited victims injured in the recent attacks who are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
During the visit, he met several patients and their families from different countries, wishing them a swift recovery and reassuring them of the UAE’s continued support.
The President also praised the dedication of medical teams providing care to the injured and highlighted the solidarity shown across the UAE community during the difficult circumstances.
He reaffirmed that the nation remains committed to protecting its people and those who call the country home.
“We will stand firm and carry out our duty towards our country, our people and the residents who live among us and are like our second family,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“May God protect the UAE, protect its people and protect everyone who lives in it with dignity and security. I promise everyone that we will emerge stronger, without doubt.”
Iran’s attacks on UAE
The remarks came as the Ministry of Defence released updated figures detailing the scale of missile and drone threats detected by UAE air defence systems since the start of what authorities described as Iranian aggression.
According to the Ministry of Defence, UAE air defence systems detected 16 ballistic missiles on Saturday. Of these, 15 were intercepted and destroyed while one missile fell into the sea.
Air defence units also detected 121 drones, intercepting 119 of them, while two drones fell within the territory of the UAE.
Since the start of the aggression, a total of 221 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 205 were destroyed by air defence systems, while 14 fell into the sea and two landed within UAE territory.
A total of 1,305 Iranian drones have also been detected during the same period. Air defences intercepted 1,229 drones while 76 fell within the country’s territory. Authorities also confirmed that eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.
The attacks resulted in three deaths of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals. A total of 112 minor injuries were reported among individuals of Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian and Turkish nationalities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as security forces remain on high alert across the country.