Abu Dhabi — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with clear resolve on Saturday. He told his nation and its enemies that the UAE stands firm during this conflict. This marked his first public statement since Iran started launching missiles and drones at the country.
“The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh — we are no easy prey,” Sheikh Mohamed said. He spoke these words while he visited people hurt in the recent strikes. Abu Dhabi TV broadcast his comments on Saturday.
Moreover, Sheikh Mohamed, who also rules Abu Dhabi, made his position strong. “We will carry out our duty towards our country, our people, and our residents who are also part of our family,” he declared. He promised the UAE will protect every person inside its borders. “We will emerge stronger,” he added with confidence.
Air Defences Handle Fresh Wave of Attacks
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence posted updates on X. On Saturday, air defence teams spotted 16 ballistic missiles. They shot down and destroyed 15 of them. One missile landed in the sea.
In addition, they also tracked 121 drones. Forces brought down 119. Two drones came down inside UAE land.
Furthermore, the ministry gave bigger numbers too. So far, they have detected 1,305 Iranian drones in total. They intercepted 1,229. Seventy-six drones hit UAE territory. Defence systems found and destroyed eight cruise missiles as well.
Human Cost of the Strikes
Unfortunately, these attacks took lives and caused injuries. Three people died — a Pakistani national, a Nepali national, and a Bangladeshi national. Another 112 people from different countries suffered wounds.
Official Urges Iran to Stop the Escalation
Separately, an Emirati official spoke out. He called on Iran to end attacks on Gulf states right away. “Any sort of escalation worries us,” the official explained. “We want to contain the war. We don’t want the war to expand.”
Furthermore, the official pointed out that Iran damages its own interests. He urged Iran to see that attacking neighbors helps no one. He asked Iran to stop and rethink its actions.
Rising Regional Tension
Finally, the Iranian strikes follow recent US and Israeli moves against Iran. The region feels the rising tension. Gulf nations face ongoing barrages.
