Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, marking his first public appearance since speculation arose regarding his health, according to statements from both the Presidential Court and the senator himself.
The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati, was documented in video footage released by the Presidential Court, showing President Al Nahyan and Senator Graham in conversation. Photographs of the encounter were also shared by the UAE’s official news agency, WAM. The appearance directly addresses recent online rumors that intensified after a statement from the Turkish presidency regarding a planned visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was posted and subsequently deleted, referencing Erdogan’s wishes for Al Nahyan’s recovery from a “health problem.”
Senator Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, was unequivocal in dismissing the health concerns. In a post on X, he stated, “To those who are perpetuating false narratives against the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh [Mohamed bin Zayed] personally, you are full of it. I met with him today for an hour and a half. Not only is he alive, but he is also well and as sharp as I’ve ever seen him.” Graham described the conversation as “enjoyable and informative,” adding that they discussed “the historic moment facing the region.”
The meeting comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny on Abu Dhabi, with a growing rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia contributing to increased criticism of the Emirates. Recent online commentary originating in Saudi Arabia has accused the UAE of contributing to regional instability, often targeting President Al Nahyan directly, according to reports.
During the meeting, Graham also lauded President Al Nahyan’s commitment to the Abraham Accords, the series of U.S.-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, initially unveiled in 2020 during the Trump administration. The UAE was a signatory to the accords, a move that drew condemnation from Palestinian leaders who viewed it as detrimental to their pursuit of self-determination.
WAM reported that the discussions between President Al Nahyan and Senator Graham also focused on regional developments and joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. No further details regarding specific agreements or policy discussions were released by either side.
