The president of the United Arab Emirates said ​his nation was in a ‌time of war but was well and told his enemies it was ​no easy prey, in his ​first public comments since Iran ⁠launched missiles at its Gulf ​neighbour amid U.S.-Israeli strikes.

“The UAE has ​thick skin and bitter flesh — we are no easy prey,” Sheikh Mohamed bin ​Zayed Al Nahyan, who is ​also ruler of Abu Dhabi, said in ‌comments, ⁠made on Friday when visiting those injured in strikes, aired on Abu Dhabi TV on Saturday.

“We ​will carry ​out ⁠our duty towards our country, our people, and ​our residents who are also ​part ⁠of our family,” he said.

The UAE, which consists of seven emirates, including Dubai, would protect everyone in the country, he said.

Speaking after visiting people being treated for injuries incurred during the week, Sheikh Mohamed said they “are a responsibility we bear”.

“All is well in the UAE. I want to thank the military institutions for their role … and all the security apparatus,” Sheikh Mohamed said.

 “I visited five of the injured civilians. Two Emiratis, an Indian, a Sudanese, and an Iranian. They are a responsibility we bear, and God willing, they will be safe and will recover soon.“

He said UAE residents and visitors “are our guests and our family”, assuring them of their place in the nation.