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‘Pardon us for any shortcomings’: President vows to defend UAE after Iran attacks
The UAE President made the emotional statement as he visited people wounded in the attacks, which left 3 people dead and 112 injured
- PUBLISHED: Sat 7 Mar 2026, 8:56 PM UPDATED: Sun 8 Mar 2026, 12:17 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has addressed residents following the recent Iranian attacks on the country, saying authorities would fulfil their responsibility to defend the land and its people.
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“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,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed made the emotional statement as he visited people wounded in the attacks. The recent Iranian attacks left three people dead and 112 injured.
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“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,” he said at the hospital where the injured are recuperating.
At the hospital, he was seen holding the hands of the injured and gently touching their heads, speaking to them and their families in a quiet moment of reassurance. During the visit, he spoke with injured individuals and their families, wishing them a speedy recovery and reassuring them that their safety, and the safety of all residents, remains a top priority.
The UAE President had a message for the UAE’s enemies:
“The UAE is beautiful, the UAE is a pioneer, but I tell you, don’t let all of that fool you.
“Know that the UAE’s skin is thick and its meat is bitter – no one can eat us. And we will always be responsible for our citizens and our second family (residents).”
“And I promise everyone that we will come back stronger and more resilient.”
Addressing residents, he said the UAE remains strong and supported by its people.
He also praised citizens and residents for their response.
“UAE residents and citizens have truly made us proud and have done a great job while facing this situation,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed also noted that the current circumstances reveal the true character and awareness of UAE society through the solidarity, cooperation and commitment shown by the community to the safety guidance issued by the relevant authorities.
The President also thanked the country’s military and security sectors.
“I want to thank the military for its great role during this situation, and all the security sectors for their efforts that made us all proud,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the dedication of medical teams providing care to those injured. Some of the injured have already been discharged after receiving the necessary treatment and making a full recovery.
“I promise everyone that we will come back stronger and more resilient after this situation,” he added.
Ahmed Waqqas Alawlaqi is the youngest Special Correspondent, reporting from Abu Dhabi on youth, AI and innovation, and human-interest stories. His work brings exclusive perspectives from the Capital, highlighting voices that shape the UAE's 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.
