UAE President's Advisor Describes "Fly Dubai" Incident as a "Serious Terrorist Act"

Abu Dhabi - Afaq News - Anwar Gargash, advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, described the attempt to down a Fly Dubai aircraft last Wednesday as an "act of terrorism." This is the first time the UAE has officially classified this act as terrorism amid the ongoing investigation there.

Gargash wrote on his social media account X the following, referring to the words of pilot Smith Machar in a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning: "The Fly Dubai pilot deserves all respect. In the face of a serious terrorist act and a potential disaster, he embodied the true meaning of courage and responsibility. His professionalism and moral integrity displayed in the most difficult circumstances make him a true hero."

He then added: "While avoiding interpretations or promoting conspiracy theories, vigilance and caution remain essential in dealing with the risks of extremism and terrorism."

Investigations into the attempted plane crash moved to the United Arab Emirates yesterday, with the pilot and his Omani co-pilot being transferred to the country from which they had departed on their journey to Israel.

Israel had requested to participate in the investigation with the pilot in Saudi Arabia and the UAE as an observer, but Riyadh refused that.

Now, after transferring the co-pilot to the UAE, Israel is strengthening its good relations with Abu Dhabi and its close cooperation with the Emiratis to participate as much as possible in the investigation, albeit in an observer capacity according to Yedioth Ahronoth.