By Amit Kakkar, Managing Editor
March 12, 2026: Dubai, UAE
These are times when there is some pressure in the region. But this is exactly the time when we, as residents of the UAE, must stand stronger than ever with this beloved home. The UAE did not create this situation, yet we will be among the first to overcome it — and very soon. We will tide over this problem just as we have overcome every challenge in the past.
But this is also the time to reply to those vultures and opportunists who are sitting on the branches of trees, waiting and watching for their prey to fall. Let me remind them of the powerful words of His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: in the UAE, we have “bitter flesh”, and we are not an easy prey.
We did not go down when the problem started, and we are certainly not going to go down in the future. Instead, we will show the world that when turbulence arrived, we faced it with strength and unity. We, as its people, stood together to protect this country called the UAE. We stood united and added even more strength to the vision of our great and visionary leaders.
We, the people who have made the UAE our home for life, will never dream of abandoning it when it needs us the most. To our leaders I say this with full conviction: we are with you. Lead this nation with even greater strength and confidence. Your people stand behind you, because whatever we are today, we are only because of the UAE and because of your leadership.
The leadership of the UAE has always believed that everyone living in this country is part of one extended family. By referring to all residents as “Emirati in spirit,” the leadership has sent a powerful message of unity and belonging. Even during times of pressure, the leadership has shown calm confidence, recently walking quietly among people in a shopping mall, interacting naturally with residents and visitors. The gesture carried a simple but powerful message: life continues normally, the nation stands strong, and everyone in the UAE is safe, secure and valued.
Yes, we have seen some people who packed their bags and left at the first sign of turbulence. Everyone has the freedom to make their own decisions, but history always remembers who stood firm and who chose to walk away when the moment demanded courage.
To those who came here as tourists and later spread false or exaggerated stories about the UAE when they return to their countries, one must ask: what makes you do that about a nation whose hospitality you enjoyed?
To the international media vultures who try to sensationalise situations for ratings, I would simply say this: how far will you go in order to malign a nation like the UAE — and particularly Dubai — which has become a global example of development, safety and opportunity?
Bring the debate on facts. Speak to us on reality.
Yes, there may be pressure today, but there is no panic. We are safe here. The real estate sector is functioning, companies are posting profits, systems are operational and safety remains as strong as ever.
Some opportunists and rumour mongers have been spreading claims that the UAE has only a few days of food or water left. Do they even understand what they are saying? These irresponsible narratives are nothing more than attempts to exploit a sensitive situation for personal agendas.
There have also been attempts to spread manipulated visuals and artificial intelligence-generated misinformation about iconic buildings in the UAE. Such tactics may create noise on social media, but they cannot shake the reality experienced by millions of residents who live here in peace and stability.
Let me remind those vultures again: such attempts will not work anymore. The residents and expatriates who have lived here peacefully for decades know the truth about the UAE. Their lived experience is stronger than rumours.
For over two decades, as a media professional in the UAE, I have witnessed this nation face challenges with calm, strength and determination. I say this with responsibility: stop spreading panic and false information.
We stood strong with the UAE during the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic the economic meltdown/recession long back. We did not abandon it then, and we will not abandon it now.
The current tensions in the region will eventually pass. Wars and conflicts come and go. But the UAE will remain — strong, secure and prosperous for generations to come.
The national spirit of this country cannot be broken. The unity of its people, the wisdom of its leadership and the dedication of its institutions are far stronger than any rumours, narratives or propaganda spread by opportunists.
The UAE today is home to more than 150 nationalities. Some of the brightest minds in the world live and work here, contributing every day to its economic growth and global reputation.
Those who truly understand the UAE know that this nation has never collapsed in the past, and it will never collapse in the future. Instead, it will always emerge stronger and brighter.
So to the vultures and opportunists watching from afar, understand this clearly: the UAE stands united.
And a united UAE is a nation that can never be defeated.
We do not give in, and we never will. We choose to give a deaf ear to such voices spreading false information and let the law of the UAE take its course.
