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'You are part of family': UAE President's words brings expats, Emiratis closer
Sheikh Mohamed reassured citizens and residents that the nation remains strong and united, promising the safety of all and inspiring confidence during uncertain times
- PUBLISHED: Sun 8 Mar 2026, 4:47 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
For many residents across the UAE, the President’s recent message stirred emotions, invoked nationalism, and reaffirmed trust in its leadership.
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Following Iran's continued strikes in the UAE and Gulf region, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited some of the injured in the missile debris incidents and delivered a message calling for unity and resilience.
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In his calm, reassuring tone, the President addressed citizens and residents, stating the nation remains strong and united. He said the safety of everyone in the UAE is his responsibility. Millions listened and felt the sincerity in his voice at a moment when many sought reassurance.
He left a deep impression on UAE national Musabbeh Saif and many others. “Seeing the Ruler speak was an awe-inspiring moment. It was brief, yet he touched all the important aspects. It was a moment of pride and honour for everyone living in the UAE, and his words were a source of reassurance to all of us in this situation.”
'Emotional moment'
For longtime expat Christine Quartier La Tente, the speech evoked a strong emotional response. The French resident said it moved her because it reflected the unity she has seen in the country during past challenges.
“The President’s words made me a little emotional because it’s a strong message. The fact that he says we come out stronger from this is completely true. We are all different cultures living together, with different religions and backgrounds. But everyone respects each other.”
Reflecting on leadership’s visibility during the crisis, she added: “Another commendable thing is that since the conflict began, the leaders have been on the streets, close to their people. Not many leaders do that. It really helps cement trust.”
Polish expatriate Ewa Ledeboer, who has lived in the UAE for three decades, said relatives abroad immediately urged her to leave when news of the attacks broke.
“When the conflict began, we received countless messages and calls from family and friends urging us to return because they worried it was dangerous. But I told them I have never felt as safe anywhere as I do here.”
The leadership’s calm and confident approach during this war amazed her. “What stood out to me was the calmness and dignity of the leadership in the video message. There was no panic, no rush — just grace, poise and a quiet assurance that ‘we’ve got you, you’re safe’.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, saying the President’s words reflected the actions they had already seen on the ground.
Calm confidence
Filipino resident Ben Lebig said loved ones abroad had been constantly checking on them. He reassured them the situation in the UAE remained under control.
“And then comes the speech of the UAE President. He called for calm and reassured everyone that they are doing everything to protect not only citizens but also residents, whom he considers family, saying, 'You are part of our family'."
He said the reassurance was backed by visible steps taken since the start of the tensions.
“Those strong words of reassurance are not just words because we have experienced it since day one of this conflict. They reflect the UAE’s commitment that lets everyone carry on with daily life safely and sleep well at night.”
For Syrian engineer Aiham Joratli, the address resonated across communities.
“The President’s words were profoundly moving and filled with wisdom, resonating deeply with each of us — citizens and residents alike. They didn’t just inform; they inspired, reaching straight to our hearts and reinforcing our sense of hope and confidence.
“Whether we are a citizen or a resident who has made the UAE our home, we feel united in support and solidarity with him.”
Indian expat Esha Das said the speech also reminded her why she chose to build her life in the UAE nearly a decade ago. “When I heard the President, it warmed my heart. I came to the UAE almost nine years ago with many dreams. Even during these difficult times, I know my family and I are safe and well cared for.
She said the leadership’s approach — from the pandemic to the current war — has strengthened residents’ sense of belonging.
“His message makes us more resilient than ever. The fact that our children are growing up in a safe and supportive environment helps them learn to be resilient and face the future with confidence and strength.”
