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'Everyone is Emirati': 7 powerful things the UAE President told residents
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reassured citizens and expats that the UAE remains strong and united, sharing heartfelt words that moved millions across the nation
- PUBLISHED: Sun 8 Mar 2026, 12:02 PM UPDATED: Sun 8 Mar 2026, 12:39 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Pain and resolve were both evident as the UAE President addressed residents following the recent Iranian attacks, his words carrying the weight of a nation that had just endured loss but remained determined to move forward.
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An image of the moment, now widely circulating online, shows Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan raising his finger as he speaks, his expression firm and emotional. From reassuring families of the injured to praising the unity of the UAE’s diverse community, here are seven statements that struck an emotional chord across the nation.
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1. ‘Pardon us if we did not meet expectations’
“Pardon us if we did not meet expectations, but we are in a time of war. I promise you that we will fulfil our responsibility to defend you, our people and our families.”
2. Injured civilians are ‘a responsibility on my shoulders’
“I came to visit five people who were wounded in the recent events – all of them are civilians. They are two Emiratis, one Indian, one Sudanese and one Iranian. All of these people are a responsibility on my shoulders.”
3. ‘Everyone is Emirati through their love for this land’
“I would also like to underscore my sincere gratitude for the awareness shown by our community of Emiratis and our resident brothers and sisters, partners in this nation, who have expressed their genuine love and loyalty to the UAE through both words and actions. In the UAE, everyone is Emirati through their love for this land and their contributions to it.”
4. Security of everyone in the UAE comes first
“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.”
5. Tribute to the armed forces and security services
“I extend my deepest appreciation to our brave armed forces, our committed security services, and all national institutions and teams working tirelessly to keep our country safe.”
“They represent the highest standards of readiness and cooperation. We are truly proud of them.”
6. Residents and citizens made the nation proud
“UAE residents and citizens have truly made us proud and have done a great job while facing this situation.”
7. A prayer for the victims and hope for the future
“May God have mercy on the victims and grant the injured a speedy recovery. With God’s blessing, the UAE — the land of Zayed — will remain strong in its unity, steadfast in defending its sovereignty, and steadily advancing towards the future.”
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.
