UAE president says country is ‘no easy prey,’ will continue to protect those in Emirates amid Iran strikes

By Reuters 7 March 2026, 6:13 pm

1 Edit

The president of the United Arab Emirates says his nation was in a time of war but was well and told his enemies it was no easy prey, in his first public comments since Iran launched missiles at its Gulf neighbors amid the US-Israeli bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.

“The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are no easy prey,” Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also ruler of Abu Dhabi, says in comments, made on yesterday when visiting those injured in strikes, aired on Abu Dhabi TV today.

“We will carry out our duty toward our country, our people, and our residents who are also part of our family,” he says.

The UAE, which consists of seven emirates including Dubai, would protect everyone in the country, he adds.