President Sheikh Mohamed praises UAE's strength on Houthi attack anniversary

January 17 marks three years since deadly strike on Abu Dhabi

President Sheikh Mohamed has said the UAE must 'forever remain a beacon of unity'. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

President Sheikh Mohamed on Friday praised the “strength, resilience and solidarity” of the UAE as he marked the third anniversary of the deadly Houthi rebel attack on Abu Dhabi.

Three people were killed and six wounded when the Iran-backed Yemeni group fired missiles and drones at a fuel tank storage site near the airport on January 17, 2022. Two Indians and a Pakistani citizen were killed, state news agency Wam reported at the time.

Sheikh Mohamed said January 17 was a day to remember “the strength, resilience, and solidarity of the people of the UAE".

“These values are an eternal source of pride and honour that we collectively commit to passing on to future generations," the President said on X. "May our nation forever remain a beacon of unity and goodwill for all of humanity.”

A small number of flights were disrupted briefly at Abu Dhabi airport due to "precautionary measures" after the attack, but normal operations resumed quickly, Etihad Airways confirmed at the time.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also commemorated the occasion.

“On January 17, we remember the feelings of unity, loyalty, solidarity and chivalry of the people of the Emirates, citizens and residents,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “Our deep-rooted values ​​of sacrifice, giving and dedication will remain a beacon for us and for future generations, and the UAE will remain an oasis of security, safety, stability and prosperity.”

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, said it was an occasion to recognise the "Emirati values of courage and valour" and underlined the UAE's commitment to promoting regional and global stability, in remarks shared by Wam.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, outlined the UAE's determination to remain an "oasis of security and safety, and a symbol of progress and stability" in a message on X.

On Friday evening, Abu Dhabi's Adnoc building lit up in the colours of the UAE flag, to mark the day.

Sharing a video of the display on social media, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said January 17 is "a day to remember [Al Nakhwah], the gallantry, unity and loyalty of the UAE people, and the nation’s deeply rooted values of solidarity, chivalry and courage."

Comment: Three years after attack on Abu Dhabi, the Houthis' campaign in the UAE has been a failure