UAE strongly condemned a shooting that targeted US President Donald Trump after an incident disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the UAE stands in full solidarity with Trump, his family, and the United States government. The statement was reported by WAM shortly after the event in the US capital.
The incident happened near the Washington Hilton hotel, where the annual political and media dinner was taking place. The dinner is a major yearly event that brings together journalists, political leaders, and public figures. Security teams were already on high alert due to the high-profile guest list. Security forces responded quickly after shots were fired near a screening area. The US Secret Service and Metropolitan Police launched an investigation. Officials confirmed that Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other protected guests were safe.
Authorities said a suspect tried to breach security and fired near a Secret Service agent close to a magnetometer checkpoint. The agent was not injured due to protective equipment. Police arrested the suspect soon after the shooting. Around 2,600 guests from politics, business, and media were present at the event. The quick response limited the incident to a short security disruption.
Security teams moved fast to protect senior officials inside the venue. Guests were taken down and moved out of the ballroom. Many left the venue under police escort. The hotel entrance area was cleared and marked as a crime scene. The building was fully secured while investigators checked the entrance zone. Officials continued their work to understand how the breach happened in such a heavily protected location.
The White House Correspondents’ Association initially tried to continue the dinner. Later, organisers cancelled the programme and asked guests to leave. Officials said the event would be rescheduled within 30 days. Trump later said law enforcement had detained the shooter and confirmed that officials were safe.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack a serious criminal act. It rejected all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism that threaten safety and stability. It stressed that such acts harm peace and global stability. The ministry restated its support for strong international cooperation against security threats.
The timing of the UAE response came one day after the incident. Abu Dhabi issued its statement on Sunday, showing quick diplomatic support for Washington. The UAE state news agency reported the message as a formal expression of solidarity with the United States.
Trade and diplomatic relations between the UAE and the United States continue to remain strong. Official data shows billions of dollars in trade between the two countries. Different official figures show trade between $34 billion and $39 billion depending on measurement methods. The UAE remains a key energy and investment partner for the United States.
Both countries also continue high-level economic talks. In January 2026, officials met for the US-UAE Economic Policy Dialogue. The UAE has also committed a long-term investment plan of about $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next decade, focusing on energy, technology, and manufacturing.
The latest statement from Abu Dhabi comes at a time of close cooperation between both countries. It reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement alongside shared concerns about security, stability, and global economic ties.
