The UAE’s strong infrastructure, diversified economy and institutional co-ordination have helped ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods, stable markets and secure energy supplies during the Iran war, officials said.
The Middle East is experiencing its worst geopolitical turmoil in decades after American and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on its Arab neighbours.
Since February 28, the UAE has intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles launched from Iran against airports, residential areas and other critical sites, in what authorities described as terrorist attacks. Iran also disrupted ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting energy exports from Gulf states.
Speaking at an event organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Abdulla Al Saleh, undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said the UAE had the ability to turn crises into opportunities to strengthen economic resilience.
“The UAE did not merely manage crises as they occurred, but rather transformed them into opportunities by implementing proactive and competitive strategies and policies,” Mr Al Saleh said. The approach enhanced local and international confidence and reinforced the country’s global competitiveness, he added.
Authorities have focused on maintaining food reserves, ensuring the availability of essential goods and protecting supply chains during the war.
The government strengthened supply routes for food, medicine, medical equipment and industry by activating alternative shipping corridors through ports in Khor Fakkan, Fujairah and elsewhere in the Gulf, Mr Al Saleh said.
Officials also addressed logistical bottlenecks quickly to ensure the smooth flow of goods. Measures included rerouting ships to intermediate ports, prioritising the unloading of food shipments and co-ordinating with ports, companies and shipping firms, he added.
The ministry has worked to maintain market stability by banning increases in transport costs or the prices of essential without approval. Authorities have conducted more than 9,000 market inspections since the start of the crisis and continue to monitor prices every day.
“The goal is not only to ensure the availability of goods, but also to ensure they remain available at fair and stable prices,” Mr Al Saleh said.
Ahmed Al Rumaithi, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said preparedness and co-ordination were key to maintaining power supplies.
“Institutional work is the secret to success,” he said. The state of readiness was raised in the energy sector on February 28, the day the warbegan, he added.
“Readiness is not instantaneous or reactive; it is about the continuity of service. Our readiness is ongoing. The security of supply has not been affected and will not be affected,” Mr Al Rumaithi said.
Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema), said crisis management began long before the war started.
“Crisis management does not begin when a crisis occurs; it begins beforehand to build a nation capable of resilience, not merely survival,” Mr Al Dhaheri said.
The UAE has demonstrated that being prepared relies on an integrated system that includes flexible policies, a diversified economy, and continued investment in human capital and technology, he added.
“This approach enables the country to remain resilient even in the most complex circumstances,” he said. The UAE’s crisis management model stands out for its focus on stability, awareness and planning, he added.
Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the defence, interior and foreign affairs committee at the Federal National Council, said that Iranian has attacked civilian sites and vital infrastructure. Dubai International Airport has been attacked more than 30 times, he said.
The UAE was secure politically, economically and in terms of security and “is on the right track”, he added. “The future is brighter, God willing,” Dr Al Nuaimi said.
