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

On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appeared in public for the first time since online rumors questioned his health. The Presidential Court released video footage showing President Mohamed bin Zayed, also known as MBZ, smiling during a meeting with US Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi. The encounter took place at Qasr Al Shati, according to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, which also published photographs of the event.

Senator Graham, a senior Republican lawmaker, responded to the health speculation on social media, stating that claims about MBZ’s well-being were false. In a post on X, he said, “To those who are perpetuating false narratives against the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh [Mohamed bin Zayed] personally, you are full of it.” Graham added, “Not only is he alive, but he is also well and as sharp as I’ve ever seen him.”

The meeting between MBZ and Senator Graham followed recent online speculation regarding the Emirati president’s health. The Presidential Court’s release of video and photographs aimed to address the rumors directly. WAM confirmed the location of the meeting as Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

During the encounter, Senator Graham praised MBZ for his role in the Abraham Accords, a series of US-brokered agreements designed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states. The UAE was among the first countries to participate in the accords, which were introduced in 2020 during the administration of former US President Donald Trump.

Palestinian leaders have criticized the Abraham Accords, viewing them as undermining their objectives for self-determination. The agreements have remained a contentious issue in regional diplomacy since their announcement.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.