The UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced that this Friday’s unified sermon across all mosques will carry the title: “UAE: Acts of Heroism and Victories.” The theme will be delivered nationwide, positioning the country’s role in the recent conflict with Iran as a story of triumph.
The announcement follows a temporary ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and the United States after approximately 40 days of war.
Official Narrative vs Battlefield Reality
According to the state news agency WAM, the UAE’s outcome was framed as divinely supported, with claims that the country had fully prepared, strengthened its military readiness, and achieved success through discipline and capability. The messaging emphasised preparedness, resilience, and what was described as a victorious conclusion.
Yet the material cost tells a different story. The UAE was among the most heavily impacted countries during the conflict, coming under sustained attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Thousands of missiles and drones reportedly struck critical infrastructure, disrupting key facilities and resulting in civilian casualties.
“Victory” by Definition
In remarks reflecting the official stance, Anwar Gargash, advisor to President Mohammed bin Zayed, stated that the UAE had emerged victorious from a war it did not choose to enter.
The contradiction is difficult to ignore. A country that absorbed extensive strikes, suffered infrastructure damage, and endured civilian losses is now being presented to its population as a model of victory, complete with a nationally coordinated sermon to reinforce the narrative.
Strategic Messaging Through the Pulpit
The decision to dedicate a unified Friday sermon to “victories” underscores how state messaging is being formalised and amplified through religious platforms. Rather than addressing the scale of the damage or the broader implications of the conflict, the focus has shifted towards reframing the outcome as success.
In practice, the message appears less about battlefield realities and more about narrative control, where the definition of “victory” is flexible enough to accommodate even the most costly outcomes.
