UAE Confident in War Preparedness Amidst Escalating US-Iran Tensions

A senior official in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stated on Thursday that the nation is significantly better prepared for a potential resurgence of full-scale war, a sentiment echoed amidst a diplomatic stalemate between the US and Iran and increasing indications of a renewed major confrontation.

Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, who chairs the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, shared these remarks with journalists in Dubai. Responding to a question from The National regarding the possibility of war resuming and the UAE's readiness, Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed that the UAE is “better prepared than it was on February 28,” the date when the US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran, which subsequently triggered the regional conflict.

“The war can resume, yes,” Dr. Al Nuaimi stated, emphasizing that the UAE's readiness is comprehensive, covering “all aspects.” He added, “whatever is needed to protect the country and the people, we will do it.”

A ceasefire had been established in June following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, intended to lay the groundwork for a final peace settlement. However, US President Donald Trump declared the truce and MoU “over” in early July, citing renewed Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent retaliatory American strikes.

In recent weeks, both the US and Iran have signaled their preparations for a potential resumption of hostilities. During the peak of the conflict, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting the UAE and other Gulf states, aiming at civilian infrastructure such as energy sites and airports. The UAE bore the brunt of these attacks, facing over 550 ballistic missiles and 2,265 drones, the majority of which were intercepted or neutralized before reaching their intended targets.

Earlier in April, the UAE State Security Department announced the dismantling of a terrorist organization operating within the Emirates. The department reported the arrests of the group's members, who were suspected of engaging in activities designed to undermine national unity and orchestrate sabotage operations within the country. Surveillance reports indicated that the organization held clandestine meetings both inside and outside the UAE and attempted to recruit young Emiratis by disseminating “misleading ideas” to garner support for “foreign allegiances.”

The UAE also disclosed the dismantling of a “terrorist network” that was allegedly funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran, leading to the arrest of its members. This network reportedly operated in the UAE under the guise of a fake commercial enterprise, aiming to infiltrate the national economy and execute “external schemes” that threatened the country’s financial stability.

Dr. Al Nuaimi further revealed that “hundreds” of members of Iranian sleeper cells were apprehended, including several Emiratis. These individuals were reportedly caught “guiding Iranian [attacks using] missiles and drones” towards targets in the UAE. He stated, “They wanted to undermine and destroy this model.”

Despite these security concerns, Dr. Al Nuaimi reiterated that dialogue remains a primary objective for the UAE. He indicated that if Iran were to take a step towards fostering trust, the UAE would reciprocate with further steps. However, he stressed that, at present, “we don't trust them.”