Sheikha Latifa Denies Paid Social Media Campaign Supporting UAE During Iran Attacks

Residents who shared positive comments about feeling safe during Iran's missile and drone attacks on the UAE were motivated by genuine affection for the nation, according to Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed. Speaking on Wednesday at the Arab Media Summit, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority chairwoman discussed the deep connection between the country's leadership and its people.

Addressing the summit, Sheikha Latifa highlighted how residents naturally rallied behind the UAE following the onset of Iranian attacks on February 28. She noted that some observers had questioned the authenticity of these defenses, baselessly suggesting that individuals were receiving payments to post positive content online.

“People who defended and supported the UAE didn't do it for payment but because of their love of the UAE,” stated Sheikha Latifa, the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. She emphasized that citizens and residents felt genuine pride in their country and its trajectory, a loyalty forged through a long-standing relationship with its leaders.

“Anyone working in Dubai's government sector understands that the emirate's leadership has set a clear objective, ensuring the happiness, comfort and security of everyone living in the city,” she explained. That mutual trust, built over time and through shared experiences, stems from systems designed to serve the people.

Shifting focus to Dubai's global identity, Sheikha Latifa underscored the vital role residents play in narrating the city's story. “We can write 1,000 stories about the city, but the one that has an impact is the one people of the city write about the city,” she remarked, adding that the emirate's leadership rejects the notion of the impossible.

Addressing the broader media landscape, Sheikha Latifa warned that while rapid advancements in artificial intelligence make content creation instantaneous, trust takes time to build. She pointed out that 55 percent of individuals under 30 in the Arab world navigate a fast-paced information ecosystem prone to misinformation. Ultimately, she concluded, great cities succeed by establishing genuine partnerships with their communities, ensuring that strong intentions and trust secure lasting achievements.