UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy: "We will do everything possible to defend ourselves and be prepared"

Abu Dhabi – Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reiterated the government's commitment to the country's defense amid Iranian attacks, saying, "We will do everything possible to defend ourselves and be prepared." This statement comes as Iran targeted the UAE with an unprecedented attack of ballistic missiles and drones.

The Iranian attack on the UAE was unprecedented in scale, involving at least 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones, specifically targeting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In response to these attacks, the UAE's defense systems performed remarkably:

the THAAD and Patriot missile systems intercepted most of the attacks.
These systems are among the most advanced defense systems in the world.
This technology was used to defend against Houthi missile attacks on Abu Dhabi in January 2022.
Reem Al Hashimi reassured the public that "you are safe with a leadership that cares for you and will do everything possible to ensure your safety." She acknowledged that the missiles exploded during the attacks, causing loud noises and falling debris, but stressed that the UAE remains "quite safe" compared to other war zones.

Potential Military Action When asked if the UAE would adopt a more military role, Al Hashimi replied bluntly: "If needed, it will happen." This clearly indicated that the UAE will not shy away from taking military action to further strengthen its defensive capabilities.

Diplomatic Stance Despite the attacks, the UAE maintains its commitment to a diplomatic solution:

"The ball is now in Iran's court as to how they want to deal with their neighbor," Al Hashimi said.
She emphasized that "the doors of diplomacy are never closed."
The UAE continues to encourage dialogue and peace.
Strengthening Infrastructure The Minister highlighted the UAE's strong infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. He said the country has made significant investments to strengthen its defense systems and ensure the safety of citizens.

Regional Position The UAE's stance is also supported by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan have also faced Iranian attacks, but their defense systems have prevented most of the attacks.

Global Concerns The UAE's position is drawing international attention to the stability of the Middle East. The US and other countries have praised the UAE's defensive measures and expressed their willingness to support them.

Reem Al Hashimi's statement not only reflects defensive preparedness but also underscores the UAE's policies to maintain peace while ensuring security. Her commitment to "do everything possible" is a testament to both the UAE's defense capabilities and the resolve of its leadership.

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