UAE President Declares 'State of War' Following Iranian Attacks

In his first public address since the escalation of Middle East hostilities, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared that the United Arab Emirates is in a state of war. He asserted that the nation would emerge from this crisis stronger than before.

"We are in a state of war, and I promise them that we will fulfill our duty," the President stated. "This situation was imposed on us, and we are acting to protect ourselves, our families, and our country."

Sheikh Mohammed praised the country's armed forces for their role "during this war" and commended security services for their honorable service. He also acknowledged the contributions of foreign residents living in the UAE.

The President visited five individuals wounded in attacks attributed to Tehran—two Emirati citizens and one each from India, Sudan, and Iran—stating that caring for the injured was "our responsibility."

In a defiant message, he described the UAE as an attractive and beautiful nation but warned against underestimating its resilience. "The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh—we cannot be swallowed. We are not easy prey," he emphasized.

The declaration follows a series of military actions in the region. The United States and Israel began an operation against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran launched attacks on American assets in Washington's allied countries across the Middle East.

The UAE was among the nations targeted. Although strikes were aimed at military infrastructure, civilian sites were also affected. Reports indicated attacks on Dubai's Burj Al Arab hotel, with Iranian drones approaching the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and falling in the Palm Jumeirah area.

On the morning of March 7, Iran's naval forces carried out a massive drone strike on American facilities in both the UAE and Kuwait. The targets included Al Minhad Air Base in Abu Dhabi and Camp Adiri in Kuwait. Dubai International Airport was also subjected to an attack.