Facing unprecedented media campaign, UAE vows measured response

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates is confronting an “unprecedented” media campaign based on falsehoods, distortion, and fabrication, aimed at tarnishing its regional and international positions, Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic adviser to the United Arab Emirates president, said on Thursday.

Gargash made the comments during the UAE-Kuwait Media Forum, emphasising that the attacks come at a time when crises in the region are intensifying, making the need for reasoned and measured voices more urgent than ever.

Gargash acknowledged that differences of opinion between states are natural and a longstanding feature of international relations, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which predates the formal establishment of the bloc. Yet he warned that what is not acceptable is “the licentiousness in enmity,” the use of lies, exaggeration and misrepresentation as tools for settling political or media scores.

He praised Kuwait’s measured response to the current charged environment, saying the Gulf neighbour’s restraint reflects the values of its leadership and people, and “underscores the depth of the strong and enduring ties between our two countries.”

Highlighting the successes of the GCC despite decades of differing perspectives, Gargash pointed to its achievements in building a common market, facilitating the movement of citizens and embedding solidarity and mutual support in times of crisis.

“The essence of the Council’s success lies in its ability to serve as a platform where all come together to support one another in difficult times, not as a stage for exchanging accusations or escalating disputes in the media,” he said.

Gargash stressed that the UAE has consistently handled such media campaigns calmly, avoiding emotional responses or the trap of aggressive confrontation.

The adviser recalled that in November 2025, UAE authorities identified fake accounts on the social media platform X that were being funded to target the country and smear its image. This, he said, was clear evidence that the UAE was not merely facing differences of opinion, but organised attempts at disinformation and disruption.

Such campaigns, Gargash emphasised, will not undermine the UAE’s confidence or stability. Previous attacks have only reinforced the country’s determination to remain a source of moderation in a turbulent regional environment and to continue building a model of development and stability.

Gargash’s remarks reflect a calculated Emirati approach to media and political challenges, grounded in the understanding that responding to provocation with overreaction does not serve regional stability. Instead, he stressed, the most effective strategy is sustained, measured diplomatic engagement, coupled with efforts to seek peaceful solutions to regional and international crises.

Through this approach, the UAE aims to project confidence and balance, turning challenges into sources of strength and reinforcing its image as a model of moderation, development and a pillar of regional stability.