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Watch: UAE President, Sheikh Hamdan visit Dubai Mall, inspire confidence amid Iran conflict
One might expect royals to keep to their palaces, but here in the UAE, they are out and about with the people
- PUBLISHED: Tue 3 Mar 2026, 1:07 AM UPDATED: Tue 3 Mar 2026, 1:14 AM
Despite regional tensions, UAE residents have been strangely calm — even though sirens and reports of missile interceptions. On Monday, March 2, (the third day of the conflict with Iran that is rocking the region) this quiet confidence was clearly mirrored in the leadership of the country.
Visitors to Dubai Mall on Monday evening had the memorable experience, seeing the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Dubai Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, walking casually through the mall.
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The leaders had pleasant smiles on their faces as they strolled. One might expect royals to keep to their palaces, but here in the UAE, they are out and about with the people.
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Dubai Media Office posted a video of them in the mall, accurately captioned, "Close to the people. Steady in leadership."
UAE President and Hamdan bin Mohammed
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2026
ð Dubai Mall
ð 9:00 PM | 2 March 2026
Close to the people. Steady in leadership. pic.twitter.com/fYxdyoQCYT
Another video circulating on social media showed a Ghanian man greeting the President. "Are you happy?" Sheikh Mohamed asked him, to which he replied he was and that he felt safe in the UAE.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, nicely summed it up when she said, "True leadership is felt in moments of uncertainty. It is a presence that reassures, decisions that bring clarity, and humanity that embraces everyone."
UAE residents, who are having to constantly reassure loved ones outside the country and dealing with uncertainty themselves, can look to this moment as a reminder that life goes on, and that their confidence is not unfounded.
"In challenging times, our leadership reminds us that resilience means continuing with confidence, preserving the rhythm of life, and trusting our government’s decisions," Al Amiri said. "It inspires strength in action, courage in decision-making, compassion in approach, and inclusiveness in vision. This is the spirit of the UAE."
