The recent fake news about the well-being of the UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) has caused a wave of worry among the world and especially Asia. These are rumors that are mainly propagated by certain elements and sources that are connected with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is a significant threat to the stability of the region and relationships with trading partners.
In this article, we are going to critically examine the factuality of these rumors, the critical commentary made by the US Senator, Joni Ernst and the effects of these unwarranted reports on Asian economies.
Why is the UAE’s Stability Important for Asian Economies?
The energy security and trade of Asia highly depends on the political and the economic stability of the United Arab Emirates. Large Asian countries such as China, India, and Japan are dependent on the unending supply by the UAE of oil and investments.
In this respect, the misinformation about the health of President Mohammed bin Zayed was seen as a possible danger to the regional supply chains and multi-billion-dollar economic deals.
This is a completely false rumor.
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) February 16, 2026
UAE President MBZ is a brave leader and dear friend.
He has charted a path towards greater peace and cooperation in the Middle East and deserves better than nasty online rumors that are intended to stoke chaos. https://t.co/dfitAvxBKC
US Senator Joni Ernst’s Rebuttal: Reassurance for Asian Allies
To counter such rumors, on her official X account, on February 17, 2026, prominent US Senator Joni Ernst released a significant statement. She greatly rejected the news about the death or extremely ill state of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and referred to him as a courageous leader and close companion.
Countering False Rumors Through Evidence
The international media was also crucial in uncovering such rumors. The recent photographs and helicopter videos of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he went about his businesses were shared on both ‘X’ and Facebook.
This wicked campaign was revealed by great Asian media outlets such as the South China Morning Post and Hindustan Times. They made comparisons with this case and other such cases of disinformation propagated by Muslim Brotherhood inspired organizations in Indonesia and Malaysia, which attack leaders on part of political reasons.
Mohammed bin Zayed’s Leadership and Regional Peace
Senator Joni Ernst was very appreciative of the efforts of MBZ to bring peace in the Middle East. As far as Asia is concerned, the UAE is a key entry point, particularly in terms of port and infrastructure investments as part of China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Moreover, a peaceful Middle East means Asian interests will be protected to protect the remittances of millions of Asian expatriates (of which more than 3 million Indians alone) and to ensure that the unbroken traffic of over 100 billion dollars of bilateral trade with Asian economies.
What were the speculations about the health of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ)?
Some opposing elements and sources spread false rumors on social media that MBZ was seriously ill, yet it was proven to have no foundation whatsoever.
What was the reaction of US Senator Joni Ernst to these rumors?
On February 17, 2026, US Senator Joni Ernst vehemently refuted these rumors, describing President MBZ as a healthy man, a brave leader and a bringer of peace in the region.
Why did Asian economies take these rumors seriously?
As the energy demand and trade of such countries as China, India, and Japan depends greatly on the UAE, this misinformation raised the concern of the disruptive situation in the regional chain of trade and investments.
