The UAE's two most senior leaders met in Dubai on March 10 to discuss the country's response to ongoing Iranian attacks, affirming that the Emirates would remain a stable and secure state, the state news agency WAM reported.

President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Al Marmoum rest house in Dubai, with the meeting focused on national efforts to maintain security in the face of what both leaders described as flagrant Iranian aggression targeting the country.

The two leaders said the UAE had the capability and determination to confront and overcome current challenges through social cohesion and the efficiency of its institutions, signalling a measured but firm posture at a moment of acute regional pressure.

Both praised the role of the UAE Armed Forces and security agencies in defending the country's territory, citizens and residents.

The meeting was attended by Dubai Crown Prince and Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines Group, among other senior officials and ministers.

The gathering came as Britain withdrew embassy dependants from the UAE and the United States kept its Abu Dhabi embassy closed.

Britain said its embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate as normal despite the move, which affects family members of diplomatic personnel stationed in the country.

The decision stops well short of the position adopted by the United States, which on March 3 ordered non-emergency government employees to leave the UAE entirely and closed both its Abu Dhabi embassy and Dubai consulate, suspending all routine consular services.

The comments by the UAE leaders come as hints of a possible off-ramp between the US and Iran were hinted by the Russian officials on March 9.