Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited injured patients in Sharjah, held their hands, and delivered a message that resonated with millions of expatriates and citizens across the UAE: “You are one of our own.”
Here are the five statements that moved a nation — and what they mean for every person living in the UAE right now.
What Did Sheikh Mohamed Say to the Injured?
As regional tensions continue following Iranian strikes, the UAE President walked hospital corridors in Sharjah, meeting injured patients one by one. He held their hands, touched their heads, and offered personal words of comfort.
To a Sudanese national, Sheikh Mohamed said warmly: “You are one of our own, my son.” To another patient, he added: “You are one of us and among us. We are proud to have you with us. You have nothing to worry about.”
Speaking to a reporter, the President stated simply: “They are our responsibility.”
Those words carried weight far beyond the hospital walls. For the millions of expatriates who call the UAE home — many of whom have lived here for years and built their lives around this country — the message was deeply personal. It was not a policy statement. It was a father speaking to his people.
How Did the President Address the Expat Community?
Sheikh Mohamed spoke directly to the UAE’s resident community, calling them “our guests and extended family.” He said: “They have truly honoured us with their stance.”
Then came a statement that surprised many. The President added: “We hope you forgive us if we have fallen short in any way.”
Coming from the leader of a nation at war, those words reflected something rare — humility combined with personal accountability. He continued: “We are in a time of war, and I promise them that we will fulfil our duty because it is our obligation to protect our people and our country.”
For the UAE’s population — where expatriates make up roughly 88.5% of residents — this acknowledgement carries real significance. It reaffirms the social contract between the state and the people who have chosen to live, work, and raise families here.
What Did Sheikh Mohamed Say About the Armed Forces?
The President thanked the UAE Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the security services, and Civil Defence for their roles during the crisis. He said they are “performing a duty that honours the UAE and everyone who belongs to it.”
He also praised Emirati citizens directly: “They have fulfilled their duty in a way that brings joy and pride, as was always expected of them. May God protect them.”
This acknowledgement reinforced a central theme of the address — that duty to the nation is shared by everyone, from military personnel to civilian residents. The UAE’s social media guidelines and laws on spreading misinformation have also been reinforced during this period, reminding residents that their online conduct matters as much as their physical actions.
What Was the President’s Message to the UAE’s Enemies?
Sheikh Mohamed delivered a stern warning, choosing his words carefully: “The UAE is attractive; the UAE is beautiful. The UAE is a model. But I say to them: Do not be misled by the UAE’s appearance. The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh — we are no easy prey.”
The phrase “thick skin and bitter flesh” is an Arabic expression signifying resilience, toughness, and the ability to withstand adversity. It sent a clear signal: the UAE will not be broken by external aggression.
He concluded with a promise: “We will carry out our duty to our country, our people and our residents who are also part of our family. I promise everyone that we will emerge stronger than before.”
Why Did These Words Matter So Much to Residents?
The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities. For many expats, the question during any crisis is always the same: where do we stand? Are we part of this country’s story, or simply guests who can be asked to leave?
Sheikh Mohamed answered that question definitively. By visiting hospitals personally, by calling a Sudanese worker “my son,” by apologising if the nation had “fallen short” — he dismantled the invisible wall between citizen and resident.
The reporter interviewing the President echoed the sentiments of millions: “The UAE community stands united behind this great pillar of confidence and strength under your leadership.”
For residents weighing their future in the UAE — whether they are considering visa options, understanding their rights, or simply wondering whether this country will protect them — the President’s words offered clarity.
At the same time, authorities have reminded residents to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information during the crisis, with fines reaching Dh200,000 for those who share false content online.
Key Takeaway
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed personally visited injured residents in hospital, called expatriates “our own” and “extended family,” thanked the armed forces, warned adversaries the UAE is “no easy prey,” and promised the nation will emerge stronger. His words affirmed that every person living in the UAE — regardless of nationality — is under the state’s protection.
FAQ
Did Sheikh Mohamed visit hospitals after the Iran strikes?
Yes. The UAE President visited injured patients at a hospital in Sharjah, meeting them individually, holding their hands, and delivering personal words of reassurance. He told a Sudanese national: “You are one of our own, my son.”
What did the UAE President say about expats during the crisis?
Sheikh Mohamed called residents “our guests and extended family” and said the UAE has an obligation to protect all its people. He also asked residents to forgive the country “if we have fallen short in any way” — an unusual statement of humility from a head of state during wartime.
What does “thick skin and bitter flesh” mean?
It is an Arabic expression used by Sheikh Mohamed to warn the UAE’s enemies. The phrase means the nation is resilient, tough, and not an easy target — despite its outward beauty and prosperity.
Are expatriates protected during the UAE crisis?
Yes. Sheikh Mohamed explicitly stated that residents are the country’s responsibility. The UAE’s legal framework continues to protect the rights of all expatriates, and emergency services remain fully operational.
What should UAE residents do during the current situation?
Rely on official government sources for information, follow instructions from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and avoid sharing unverified content on social media. The UAE cybercrime law carries serious penalties for spreading rumours.
How did UAE residents react to the President’s message?
The response was overwhelmingly positive. The interviewing reporter summarised public sentiment by saying: “The UAE community stands united behind this great pillar of confidence and strength under your leadership.” Social media reactions reflected deep gratitude and renewed confidence in the country’s direction.
Further Reading
- Understanding Your Rights as an Expatriate in the UAE: A Complete Guide
- UAE Social Media Guidelines: Legal Requirements for Digital Citizenship
- UAE Visa Rules 2025: 11 Major Changes for Expats, Visitors & Residents
- Thriving in the UAE: The Expat’s Guide to Cultural Adaptation
- UAE Fights Fake News: 70% More Shares Than Real News, Officials Say
- UAE’s 6 Banned Online Content Types: Dh500,000 Fine and 5-Year Jail Risk
- US Travel Advisory UAE Level 2: Essential Safety Guide
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