UAE leaders mark third anniversary of terrorist attack with messages of resilience

The UAE marked the third anniversary of a deadly terrorist attack on its soil on Friday, with the nation’s leadership sharing messages of resilience and unity.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, issued a statement on social media platform X, describing the UAE as a beacon of unity. "January 17 is a day when we remember the strength, resilience, and solidarity of the people of the UAE. These values are an eternal source of pride and honor that we collectively commit to passing on to future generations," he said.

Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, also released a statement on X, saying, "On January 17, we honor the enduring spirit of unity, loyalty, solidarity, and chivalry displayed by the people of the Emirates, both citizens and residents alike. Our deeply rooted values of sacrifice, generosity, and dedication will continue to serve as a guiding light for us and for generations to come, ensuring that the UAE remains an enduring oasis of security, safety, stability, and prosperity."

The attack

On Jan. 17, 2022, Yemen’s Houthi group launched missiles and drones at the UAE, targeting Abu Dhabi International Airport and an oil facility in Musaffah.

The attack caused explosions in three fuel tankers, killing three people — two Indians and a Pakistani — and injuring six others.

Abu Dhabi police confirmed finding drone fragments at the sites but made no mention of missiles. ADNOC, the state oil company, reported a fire at its Musaffah Fuel Depot and expressed sorrow over the loss of three colleagues while reassuring customers of an uninterrupted fuel supply through its business continuity plans.

The UAE’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and vowed it would not go unpunished.

"The UAE reserves the right to respond to these terrorist attacks and criminal escalation," the ministry said. The UAE, a member of the coalition, has armed and trained local Yemeni forces that recently joined fighting against the Houthis in Yemen's energy-producing Shabwa and Marib regions.