Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI, SADEQ ALKHOORI, BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
With calm assurance, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday delivered a message that resonated across the nation: the UAE will fulfil its duty to protect everyone who calls it home.
Amid regional developments, His Highness expressed confidence that the country “will emerge stronger than before”.
For many Emiratis and residents, the remarks struck a personal chord. Individuals and families who watched the interview said His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s message reinforced their sense of security and trust in the country’s leadership.
UAE national Zayed Alburiki told Aletihad he felt “an indescribable sense of pride” knowing there is a leader who protects the nation and reassures its people.
“If the time ever comes, we will defend our nation without hesitation,” he said. “Nothing is more valuable than the country where we were born and raised.”
Another Emirati, Fouzia Ali Al Fadily, said the address reflected a special bond between the leadership and the people. “We have not witnessed any other leader who addresses his people face to face during trying times, reassuring them that he is always with them and easing their fears,” she said.
Another citizen agreed that open communication between the public and the government has long been a defining characteristic of the nation. “The strategy our leaders have put in place for times like this gives us full confidence as Emiratis during the current circumstances,” he said.
Maryam Al Ali, who watched the interview with her son by her side, said His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s words moved her family.
“My son felt a great sense of security and pride,” she said. “Knowing that this is our President — a leader who genuinely loves his people and would sacrifice for them — made him cry happy tears.”
Residents from across the expatriate community also expressed gratitude for the reassurance that no one in the country would be left behind.
In the interview, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasised the shared sense of belonging that unites the country. Everyone in the UAE is Emirati through their love for this land, His Highness said, describing residents as “part of our family”
‘We Feel Safe, Valued'
UAE resident Muna Jaber said she felt grateful for the way expatriates are valued and respected in the country. “Living under wise leadership that constantly strives to keep everyone safe is a blessing,” she said.
South African national Mark Norman described His Highness the President’s statements as a mark of an encouraging model of leadership. “The message was very strong and highlighted the resilience of the UAE, but there were no threats made,” he said, adding that the speech demonstrated calm and confidence in the face of adversity.
Egyptian resident Dalia Rehab expressed full trust in the country’s ability to keep its people safe. “They are doing a great job now, like how they kept us safe during COVID-19,” she said.
Reham, another Egyptian expatriate, noted that daily life continues normally in what she considers her second home. “We still go out, visit parks, and eat at restaurants. Everything is accessible.”
Jordanian Ahmad Al Halabi, who was born and raised in the UAE, said he has always felt safe in the country, and that feeling has not changed despite the current circumstances.
“His Highness’ words gave us even more reassurance that we will be safe from any threats. We know for a fact that the UAE’s top priority is and always have been the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors. God bless the UAE and its leaders,” he said.
