UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Meets US Senator Amid Health Rumors

On February 18, 2026, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi at Qasr Al Shati. This meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding Sheikh Mohammed's health, following rumors that emerged after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan postponed a planned visit to the UAE, citing a "health problem" for the Emirati leader. The statement from Erdogan's office was later deleted, which further fueled speculation about Sheikh Mohammed's wellbeing.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed seen publicly, illness rumors debunkedThe Straits TimesExpress TribuneUsNews and World ReportTimes of IsraelUAE president, Senator Lindsey Graham discuss regional securityThe UAE leader Al Nahyan, who was claimed to have passed away, reappeared days later.

During the meeting, Senator Graham emphasized Sheikh Mohammed's good health, stating, "Not only is he alive, but he is also well and as sharp as I’ve ever seen him." He criticized those spreading "false narratives" about the UAE and its president, labeling them as "full of it." The senator's remarks aimed to dispel the rumors that had circulated online, including extreme claims about the president's death, which even led to edits on his Wikipedia page.

Express Tribune

The meeting underscored the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States. Both leaders discussed regional developments and joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The UAE's state news agency, WAM, reported that senior Emirati officials were present during the discussions, highlighting the importance of the UAE-U.S. cooperation amid a growing rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

UAE president, Senator Lindsey Graham discuss regional securityUsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesTimes of IsraelUAE President Sheikh Mohamed seen publicly, illness rumors debunkedThe UAE leader Al Nahyan, who was claimed to have passed away, reappeared days later.Express Tribune

The backdrop of the meeting included intensified criticism from Saudi social media voices, accusing the UAE of contributing to regional instability. This criticism has been particularly directed at Sheikh Mohammed personally, reflecting the complex dynamics within the Gulf region. The ongoing rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has led to increased scrutiny of Abu Dhabi's actions and leadership.

UsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesTimes of IsraelUAE president, Senator Lindsey Graham discuss regional securityExpress TribuneUAE President Sheikh Mohamed seen publicly, illness rumors debunkedThe UAE leader Al Nahyan, who was claimed to have passed away, reappeared days later.

In his social media posts, Graham reiterated the productive nature of his discussions with Sheikh Mohammed, emphasizing the importance of their dialogue for regional security. Sheikh Mohammed also extended warm greetings to the people of the UAE and the world, coinciding with the start of Ramadan, a time for reflection and community bonding.

UAE president, Senator Lindsey Graham discuss regional securityUsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesTimes of IsraelExpress TribuneUAE President Sheikh Mohamed seen publicly, illness rumors debunkedThe UAE leader Al Nahyan, who was claimed to have passed away, reappeared days later.

While the meeting served to dispel health rumors, the initial claims regarding Sheikh Mohammed's health remain a point of contention. Some reports suggested severe health issues, including a potential stroke, though these claims were not substantiated. The swift deletion of Erdogan's statement and the subsequent public appearance of Sheikh Mohammed highlight the volatility of information in the region.

The Straits Times

• “Not only is he alive, but he is also well and as sharp as I’ve ever seen him.” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator

Times of Israel

• “Those perpetuating false narratives against the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed are full of it.” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator

UAE president, Senator Lindsey Graham discuss regional security

This meeting not only reaffirmed Sheikh Mohammed's health but also reinforced the UAE's diplomatic outreach and strategic partnerships during a period of regional tension.

UAE president, Senator Lindsey Graham discuss regional security