Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)
"You are safe with a leadership that cares for you, and that will do everything they possibly can to ensure that safety continues," said Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, following a weekend of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE.
Speaking in a CNN interview on Sunday, Al Hashimy described the moment as an "unprecedented time" for the country, pointing out that the UAE had for weeks pushed for dialogue to avoid escalation.
These diplomatic efforts, she said, had been overtaken by "very unjustifiable and very unlawful measures" by Iran, extending attacks not only to the UAE but to the rest of the Gulf and beyond.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Iran has launched 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones since the start of the attacks.
The UAE's air force and air defence forces have intercepted and destroyed 152 of the ballistic missiles, shot down both cruise missiles, with the remaining 13 falling into the sea.
Of the 541 drones launched, 506 were intercepted and destroyed, with only 35 entering UAE territory and causing some material damage.
Where damage had occurred, Al Hashimy said, it had been "primarily debris", and that the loud explosions heard by residents were largely the sound of interceptions.
"That is something that we do not accept," Al Hashimy stressed.
"We have one of the best defence systems in the world, and we are confident that we will be able to continue to support our infrastructure and protect the people who live here."
'We Will Leave No Stone Unturned'
The minister described the current phase as both fluid and consequential. While reiterating that the UAE does not wish for further escalation and continues to call for calm and measured responses, she stressed that restraint does not mean inaction.
"We have, before this began, been very clear about not having our territories be used to attack Iran. We have always encouraged dialogue," Al Hashimy said, while making clear that the UAE stands ready to take all necessary measures to defend itself and its people.
"We hope it doesn't come to it. But by the same token, we're not going to sit idly by as we continue to be recipients of such a barrage of attacks that are unlawful and unjustified as well."
Even as she signalled readiness, Al Hashimy insisted that the UAE would continue to prioritise diplomatic solutions and working with partners to mitigate the risk of widespread conflict.
"The door for diplomacy never closes. We continue to engage because we continue to want to de-escalate, and we want to find other ways, other security arrangements that are helpful for the larger region."
At the same time, she sought to draw a distinction between the actions of a government and its people, and clarified the UAE's position on internal political developments in Iran.
"The UAE doesn't get involved in how different countries are governed or how different countries choose their government," Al Hashimy said, calling it a matter "for the Iranian people to decide".
"We want a friendly neighbour that wants to live side by side with us and with our surrounding region, and we are hopeful that it will eventually come to that."
On the UAE's relationship with Washington, Al Hashimy described the United States as a strategic ally and friend, but made it clear that the country's foreign policy is built on a broad set of regional and international partnerships.
The key objective for the leadership right now, the minister added, is to mobilise all available resources to avoid another cycle of conflict in a part of the world that has already paid a heavy price.
"We are in a safe place that has a very strong infrastructure and a leadership that truly does care for Emiratis and non-Emiratis alike, but also for tourists and visitors," Al Hashimy said. "And we will really leave no stone unturned to make sure that that continues to be the case for all of our citizens and residents alike."
