UAE President Seen After Health Rumors
Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appeared in public for the first time since rumors about his health started spreading. Videos and photos showed him meeting with US Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi.
Senator Graham’s Strong Response
The US politician slammed health rumors online, posting on social media: “To those perpetuating false narratives… you are full of it.” He added that President Mohamed bin Zayed was “as sharp as I’ve ever seen him” during their meeting.
How the Rumors Started
The speculation began when Turkey’s president claimed a scheduled UAE visit was postponed due to a “health problem” for the Emirati leader. Though the statement got deleted quickly, it sparked wild online guesses—even false Wikipedia edits saying the president had died.
Graham’s Defense of UAE
Graham warned critics: “You do so at your own peril.” He specifically praised the president for supporting the Abraham Accords—the deal that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Regional Tensions Rise
Turkey’s leader previously criticized the UAE-Israel agreement as “treacherous” to Palestinians. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia—which hasn’t joined the accords—increasingly sees the UAE as a rival. The Saudis accuse the Emirates of promoting Israel’s interests and causing problems in places like Yemen and North Africa.
What Happens Next?
With the UAE and Saudi Arabia shifting from allies to competitors, regional politics remain tense. But for now, the Emirati president’s public appearance aims to show business as usual in Abu Dhabi.
