Countries of all kinds and capacities are exposed to sudden crises, whether as a result of internal developments, natural disasters, wars, or external conflicts. Yet few know how to manage these crises so as to minimise their impact, and fewer still are able to transform such challenges and risks into opportunities for renewed growth and recovery.
The United Arab Emirates ranks among this latter category. It has presented, and continues to present, a pioneering and inspiring model for the entire world in how to confront externally imposed crises and challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and prosperity — thanks to its leadership's wise vision, ambitious strategies for the future, and an unyielding determination to achieve its highest goal: for the UAE to be number one globally across all development and progress indicators.
This Emirati model became clearly visible during the crisis triggered by Iran's treacherous and cowardly attacks on the UAE and the countries of the region in recent months. Some who harbour ill will, envy, or an inability to keep pace with the UAE's march of growth and development rushed to crow and claim that the Emirati development model had been damaged by these cowardly assaults. They worked to spread rumours and inflate the impact of events as part of a systematic media campaign no less dangerous than the treacherous Iranian attacks themselves. Yet this crowing quickly collided with a firm, immovable truth: the UAE's pioneering development model was built to last, because it was constructed and founded on solid foundations, an ambitious vision, and future strategies designed to cope with a wide range of challenges and crises.
At the height of the crisis, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State — may God preserve him — declared with full confidence and resolve that the UAE would emerge stronger. All state institutions moved swiftly to implement their proactive plans in unprecedented harmony. Numerous initiatives were announced that succeeded in reducing the consequences of the conflict to a minimum, ensuring the uninterrupted continuity of electricity and water supplies, maintaining the continued export of crude oil, and keeping ports, government services, and economic activities operating normally. This reflected a high level of institutional readiness and strategic planning that reinforced the confidence of investors, companies, and international partners in the UAE's business environment. Many international economic institutions also confirmed that the UAE economy would continue to demonstrate strong levels of resilience throughout 2026, supported by robust domestic demand, strategic investments, government spending, and the country's growing standing as a regional hub for artificial intelligence.
Statistics released during the crisis period confirmed the strength of the UAE economy. According to the World Trade Organization's World Trade Statistical Review report, the UAE entered the global top 10 in merchandise exports for the first time in its history, ranking 9th among the world's largest merchandise exporters. The country's total foreign trade recorded exceptional growth in 2025, reaching 6 trillion dirhams (AED). Nor did the state limit itself to drawing up plans and policies to ensure the continuation of growth and development; it also announced a transition to a new phase of economic evolution led by artificial intelligence, through the launch of a new framework to transform 50% of UAE government sectors and services within two years to apply autonomous, self-executing Agentic AI models — making the UAE government the world's first to shift its sectors and services to self-executing, autonomous artificial intelligence models.
The UAE has proved that its pioneering development model is firmly established, strong, and deep-rooted, and that no challenge of any kind can obstruct it or impede its progress — just as the country's valiant armed forces have proved capable of protecting the nation's security and its development achievements. All of this is thanks to a wise Emirati leadership that leaves nothing to chance and draws up forward-looking, proactive plans capable of dealing with all manner of circumstances and challenges.