After health rumours, UAE President MBZ seen meeting with US lawmaker

February 18, 2026 - 18:37

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was seen in a high-profile meeting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi, directly addressing recent international speculation about his health. The encounter, described as a private discussion, was initiated to reaffirm the strong strategic partnership between the two nations.

Senator Graham, a senior Republican figure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, provided a firsthand account of the President's condition, stating he found the UAE leader to be "as sharp as I’ve ever seen him." The meeting covered critical regional issues, including security cooperation and efforts toward stability in the Middle East.

This public appearance and the subsequent characterization from a prominent U.S. lawmaker serve to dispel weeks of unverified rumors circulating online regarding the President's well-being. Analysts view the engagement as a strategic diplomatic move, underscoring the UAE's ongoing active role in global affairs and its pivotal relationship with Washington. The discussions also reportedly touched upon bilateral economic ties and shared concerns over regional dynamics, highlighting the continued depth of the U.S.-UAE alliance.