Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. ARCHIVE

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has said the UAE will emerge stronger from ongoing regional tensions. Sheikh Latifa, chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council and Dubai Executive Council, pointed to the country’s resilience, unity, and long-standing values of tolerance and coexistence. In an opinion piece published by the Fiker Institute, Sheikha Latifa reflected on the impact of recent missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE and the wider Gulf region, while emphasising the country’s commitment to stability and continuity. She said the attacks seen in recent weeks stand in sharp contrast to the UAE’s model of peaceful coexistence, recalling her own childhood growing up in Dubai alongside classmates from more than 100 nationalities. “We simply shared a classroom, a playground, and the innocence of childhood,” she said, describing a society where differences in culture and language were embraced rather than questioned. Sheikha Latifa said such openness is deeply rooted in Emirati values, shaped by the country’s history and its journey from a small trading community to a global hub. “Adversity does not break us, it strengthens us,” she said, noting that resilience has long been part of the national character.

Defence, stability and leadership

Sheikha Latifa highlighted how the UAE has responded to recent attacks with advanced defence systems, saying the country has intercepted the majority of incoming threats while maintaining stability. She said the UAE’s leadership remains focused on ensuring safety, opportunity, and quality of life for everyone in the country. “At the core of our nation’s vision is a simple yet clear priority: to ensure the highest possible quality of life for the people of the UAE,” she said. She described leadership in the UAE as being built on trust, responsibility, and close ties with the community, rooted in traditions such as the majlis, where leaders engage directly with people. Sheikha Latifa also pointed to the solidarity shown by both Emiratis and residents during the recent tensions. “What has struck me most of all since this war began is the resilience of the Emirati people, and the solidarity of the UAE’s residents,” she said. She noted that people from different backgrounds have come together in support of the country, reflecting a shared sense of belonging. She also cited remarks by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who said the UAE would emerge stronger from the current challenges. Sheikha Latifa said the UAE continues to prioritise dialogue, stability, and long-term development, even in the face of challenges. She stressed that the country remains committed to improving its systems and institutions while safeguarding security and prosperity. “We will come out of this challenge stronger and move forward with confidence,” she said. PIA/Expat Media
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