One of the key principles distinguishing UAE policy is the recognition that the initial euphoria of any political decision is quickly followed by an awareness of burdens, multiple and intersecting pathways, complex entitlements, and deeper entanglement in the Yemeni file after a difficult decade. There are no easy options, and bypassing a sincere ally would be politically, economically, and media-wise costly — leading only to further complication of the crisis rather than its containment.

In parallel, the UAE has confronted the fierce political campaign against it with high professionalism, relying on its extensive and influential network of external relations. This network fully understands that the UAE represents a successful Arab and Middle Eastern model built on development, moderation, and openness — far removed from ideological rhetoric, extremism, and the economic and developmental failures that plagued the region for decades. This political and diplomatic capital was not built in a day or through a passing crisis; it is the result of a long trajectory of consistency between word and deed, guided by a rational, calm strategy, an ambitious vision, and diligent work.

The UAE: Media maturity and steadfast positions

In this context, the UAE is credited with its media maturity and the steadiness of its discourse, particularly in the face of a reckless and immoral campaign grounded in false rumours, ambiguous narratives, and the unscrupulous use of modern technologies to produce deceptive content that quickly reveals its emptiness before public opinion. Although the number of Emirati voices on social media is relatively small compared to the opposing mobilisation that occupied Twitter in an orchestrated campaign of verbal attacks against the state, the dignity and consistency of the UAE’s media discourse are not weaknesses; they are genuine assets that must be preserved in this crisis and in all crises. Holding the moral high ground is essential in any debate — and this is the UAE’s natural position.

This does not, by any means, imply complacency or refraining from reviewing our media performance. On the contrary, reassessing the experience, drawing lessons, and strengthening the UAE’s narrative are priorities, especially amid attempts by various parties to attach negative narratives to the UAE’s role and positions. However, this reinforcement must remain an extension of our ethics and values, because when media detaches from ethics, it may win a round but ultimately loses the battle in the long term.

As one examines the many files used to attack the UAE, their sheer number and diversity reveal the depth of the sense of inferiority felt by some in the face of the UAE’s success. The country is accused of economic success, social openness, religious moderation, and respect for residents. From attacks on Jebel Ali factories, to allegations of being a gold hub, to leadership in clean energy, sovereign investment funds, the judicial system, a successful record in port management, regional influence, and international relations — an extensive list of toxic criticism accumulates, explainable only by our success and their failure, our performance and their shortcomings.

Excess in hostility is not new

Crises in the Gulf and among its states are not new, nor is excess in hostility a recent phenomenon. Yet the region remains our geographic, historical, and social space. As crises begin to recede and find resolution, the UAE’s steadfastness, reason, and wisdom will become evident. History will record that it did not sink into the mire as others did, but stood firm on solid ground, adhering to the mindset of statehood, ethics, and responsibility.

Wisdom in this crisis calls for prioritising collective responsibility over escalation, adventurism, populism, media noise, and the opening of social media megaphones to stir discord and spread rumors and falsehoods. Herein lies the UAE’s elevated policy and its wisdom in distancing itself from political folly when making decisions.

The UAE has proven that success is not accidental; it is the product of a balanced strategic vision, wise crisis management, and sound policies rooted in the values of justice, tolerance, and support for stability. It is therefore unsurprising that the UAE becomes a target for those unable to create success and who resort to noise, clamour, and populist reactions during times of crisis.

Ultimately, the truth remains clear to those who read reality with wise, rational, and fair eyes: the UAE has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of regional stability — across the Gulf, the Arab world, and even internationally. Its role in Yemen will remain a bright mark in its humanitarian and political history. Positions are measured by outcomes, and outcomes testify that the UAE chose the path of construction over destruction, reason over impulse, and truth over pretense.

If heritage once said that wisdom is Yemeni, today’s political reality confirms that wisdom is Emirati — measured by decisions, not by noise.

The beginning of the end?