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UAE citizens moved by residents' love, support for nation amid regional conflict
From heartfelt social media posts to personal declarations of loyalty, the UAE’s diverse community has risen as one proving that this nation is not just a country, but a family
- PUBLISHED: Thu 5 Mar 2026, 12:16 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]
In the days following Iran’s unprecedented barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting the UAE, something remarkable unfolded not only in the skies where advanced air defence systems worked tirelessly to intercept the assault, but on the ground, in the hearts and voices of the millions who call this country home.
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Residents from across the globe — South Asians, Europeans, Arabs, Africans, and Westerners alike took to social media, community groups, and public platforms to declare, in their own words and in their own languages, that they stand with the UAE. For Emirati nationals watching this wave of solidarity unfold, the moment carried a profound and deeply personal meaning.
'We stand together as one’
Jassem Khadim, a cybersecurity expert and digital awareness content creator, was among the Emiratis who observed the outpouring with a mixture of pride and emotion.
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“What we are witnessing today from our resident brothers and sisters is not surprising. It reflects the deep bond the UAE has built with everyone who lives on its land. In moments that truly matter, there is no difference between citizen and resident — we stand together as one.”
Khadim noted that the UAE’s decades-long commitment to welcoming people from every corner of the world had laid the foundation for this moment of unity. “The UAE has welcomed people from all over the world and offered them safety, opportunity, and dignity. That is why the sincere support and solidarity we see today from residents comes from a genuine sense of belonging,” he said.
Invoking the words of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khadim reflected on the deeper meaning of the nation’s unity. “As Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, ‘The house is united.' Today we see the true meaning of these words. The UAE did not just build a nation it built a family.”
He added: “As Emiratis, we are proud of the heartfelt solidarity shown by our resident brothers and sisters. They are not just residents, they are partners in the UAE’s journey and part of the unity that makes this country strong.”
A leader who inspires beyond borders
The sentiment was echoed powerfully by Mohamed Al Alawi, who drew a striking historical parallel to illustrate the extraordinary bond between the UAE’s leadership and its people, citizens, and residents alike.
Al Alawi recalled the ancient legend of King Italus, who ruled the kingdom of Ainthria thousands of years ago. So just and noble was his character that the people of Ainthria, despite the king not being one of their own, came to love him so deeply that they eventually renamed their land after him, calling it Italia.
“Few are the leaders who hold such an influence over people. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is one of those leaders. The happiness of residents in the UAE upon seeing him walking through Dubai Mall, and the sincere feelings that reached us even through screens, are enough to tell the story of the greatness of our leader, our father, and our inspiration."
“The world already knows how much we love him. But this was the moment the world learned just how much residents love and trust Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, may God protect him. “He added.
‘Part of our extended family'
For Naila Ahmed, an Emirati citizen, the sight of residents from different cultures and nationalities speaking with love about the UAE and standing up for it in its hour of need was deeply moving.
“As an Emirati, seeing residents speak with love about the UAE and stand up for it truly means a lot to us. It reflects the strong sense of belonging that people from different cultures have found in this country.”
Naila emphasised that the UAE’s tradition of openness had always been the foundation of this bond. “The UAE has always welcomed the world with open arms, and when residents defend it or speak positively about it, it shows that they feel safe, respected, and proud to be part of this society,” she said.
Her words reflected a sentiment heard widely among Emiratis in recent days that the loyalty and affection shown by residents is not merely a reaction to a crisis, but a testament to the kind of nation the UAE has built over decades.
“For us as Emiratis, residents are not just guests they are part of our extended family. Their loyalty and appreciation remind us that the UAE is more than a place on the map; it is a home that brings people together under shared values of respect, unity, and peace,” Naila said.
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.