Abu Dhabi-
- This transcript of the live press briefing held by the UAE government to deliver an update on the latest security and economic developments amid the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East.
- The broadcast includes statements by the following officials:
- Brigadier General Pilot Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence
- HE Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation
- HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism
- Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior
- Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesperson for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority
Transcript
(MC Host)
This meeting comes as part of the UAE’s commitment to constructive communication with you, representatives of local and international media, in recognition of your important and responsible role, particularly under such circumstances, and in a manner that enhances the dissemination of accurate information and reinforces confidence.
We are pleased to have with us at this briefing: Brigadier General Pilot Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, who will present the military situation and the level of defence readiness; Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, who will review the diplomatic position and international coordination in light of these developments; His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, who will outline the measures taken in the economic sector to ensure market stability and business continuity; Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, who will address security matters and internal measures. His Excellency Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority, who will present the national response plans and coordination mechanisms among the relevant entities.
We will begin with the military situation. In light of the recent developments, what is the current military situation, and how prepared is our defence system? Brigadier General Pilot Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi will brief us on the details.
(Brigadier General Pilot Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence)
At this media briefing, we value and appreciate your presence. This meeting comes in light of developments on the ground, with the aim of presenting the latest operational updates and the efforts undertaken by the UAE to protect its national sovereignty and ensure the security of citizens and residents. The Ministry of Defence extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the families of the martyrs and wishes the injured a speedy recovery and a swift return to theirnormal lives.
Before diving into the details, we must reiterate that the UAE will not, under any circumstances, accept any infringement upon its sovereignty, security, or the safety of its territory. The UAE retains its full right to take all necessary measures.
The UAE possesses diverse, integrated, and multi-layered air defence systems capable of countering various aerial threats with high efficiency, across long-, medium-, and short-range systems, ensuring comprehensive airspace coverage. The UAE also maintains a strategic stockpile.
During the current year, and since the beginning of the Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have dealt with 186 ballistic missiles launched toward the country. Of these, 172 missiles were destroyed, 13 fell into the sea, and one missile landed on the UAE’s territory. Additionally, 812 Iranian drones were detected. Of these, 755 were intercepted, while 57 fell within the UAE’s territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. These attacks resulted in some collateral damage, including three fatalities and 68 minor injuries, as well as minor to moderate material damage to a number of civilian properties. We note here that the sounds heard in various areas of the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and UAE fighter jets confronting drones and cruise missiles.
These military statistics demonstrate the full readiness and proactive plans implemented by our Armed Forces and relevant agencies across various industries, which enabled effective and highly efficient military response to different types of threats.
Ladies and gentlemen, we now present visual footage showing UAE Air Force F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft targeting Iranian aggressions, including helicopters and drones. This is an excerpt from the interception and destruction of hundreds of such attacks over the past four days. We also present to you the debris of missiles and drones destroyed by UAE air defences.
We begin with the wreckage of a tactical ballistic missile of the “Qiam” class. Hundreds of these missiles were intercepted and destroyed.
We then move to the cruise missile of the “Paveh” class. These threats are considered difficult to counter and intercept; however, they were successfully intercepted and destroyed by UAE air defences. We also display the Iranian Shahed-136 drone, hundreds of which were intercepted and destroyed. Finally, another family of UAVs: Shahed-107, plus Shahed-238, dozens of these were brought down over the past four days.
We now move to another axis: the repercussions of countering the aerial aggressions to which the UAE was subjected. First, it must be emphasised that all injuries and minor damages that occurred were not the result of enemy attacks successfully reaching their intended targets, but rather the result of interception operations.
It is well known militarily that when air defences intercept missiles and drones, debris fragments may scatter. Therefore, all injuries and minor damages were not caused by direct strikes on targets within the UAE’s territory but resulted from interception operations conducted with high efficiency and full professionalism, in accordance with approved rules of engagement and operational safety procedures.
Air defence systems successfully engaged hostile targets at the appropriate time, contributing to reducing the scale of damage and preventing greater loss of life and property. After intercepting and destroying hostile projectiles in the air and neutralising threats before they reached their potential targets, the concerned authorities, each according to its remit, proceed with assessment procedures.
In response to field developments that may affect the security of the UAE, its airspace, territorial waters, or land, the Armed Forces have undertaken effective and carefully considered operational measures. These included enhancing defensive deployment, raising combat readiness levels, and strengthening surveillance and early warning systems to ensure the highest levels of preparedness to protect the nation and safeguard its sovereignty.
Integration among various military units has also been reinforced within a unified command framework that ensures rapid response and precise execution in confronting any potential threat. Our Armed Forces have once again demonstrated their high efficiency and operational experience, and advanced readiness in dealing decisively and resolutely with any aggression or attempt to infringe upon the UAE’s sovereignty.
This readiness is based on an advanced defence system reinforced by modern technologies, sophisticated weapons systems, and tight coordination between land, naval, and air forces within precise operational plans that are continuously updated in accordance with comprehensive strategic assessments.
Finally, the Armed Forces renew their affirmation that they remain fully prepared to confront all threats, regardless of their source or nature, and that they will not hesitate or be complacent in taking the necessary deterrent measures to protect the security and stability of the nation.
Thank you.
(Host)
Tactics may vary, but steadfastness is the strategy. This is exactly what our Armed Forces have demonstrated with efficiency and competence. Thank you, Brigadier.
On the international level, how is the UAE acting to ensure stability and strengthen coordination at the regional and international levels?
This briefing is from Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation
Please proceed, Your Excellency.
(Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation)
I welcome you today and deeply value your significant role, especially during this sensitive and critical phase our region is going through. But first, let me reassure you and the people of the United Arab Emirates: you are safe and secure, in caring and trustworthy hands, and life is proceeding normally despite the scale of the challenges. Our defence system is operating around the clock with high efficiency to protect you all.
In recent days, the United Arab Emirates, alongside Gulf countries and friendly nations, has been attacked by a series of blatant Iranian attacks, amid a dangerous and unprecedented regional escalation, without any regard for the UAE’s clear position, which has repeatedly affirmed that its territory will not be used in any military operations against Iran.
It is important here to thank all countries and international organisations that have expressed solidarity and support to the UAE and its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty, in accordance with the norms, the UN Charter, and international law, in the face of these flagrant aggressions.
While the UAE renews its call for restraint, prioritizing serious and responsible dialogue and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions to overcome the current crisis in a way that guarantees the peoples of the region security, stability, and prosperity, it emphasises its full and legitimate right to self-defence in response to these attacks, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and ensure the security and safety of its territory, its citizens, its residents, and its visitors.
In confronting the pretexts and unfounded justifications put forward by Tehran, we must set the record straight and clarify that the UAE and the other Gulf Arab states have exerted intensive efforts to avoid military confrontation and de-escalate tensions, based on their firm conviction that military solutions only deepen crises and dangerous consequences for the region.
At the national level, UAE institutions are operating within an integrated approach, at the highest level of readiness and around the clock. The realities and rhythm of daily life have neither stopped nor been affected. All vital sectors have continued to perform their duties without interruption, in accordance with proactive plans to ensure that the needs of citizens and residents are met without any shortage or disruption.
However, these attacks were not merely an assault on the UAE alone, they extended to other countries as well. The developments we have witnessed reaffirm that any infringement upon the sovereignty of a Gulf state is a threat to regional security and stability as a whole. The UAE believes that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible, and that any threat or attack targeting any one of them constitutes a threat or attack on the collective security of the Council states.
At the same time, we stress that any attack affecting the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates or any Gulf state will not go unanswered. The right to self-defence is legitimate, and any targeting of civilians or civilian objects constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. The UAE also affirms its full solidarity with the brotherly states that have been subjected to Iranian aggression.
It is important to manage the regional balance wisely. The UAE is not a state of reactive responses, it believes in preserving balanced international relations and keeping lines of communication open even in the most difficult moments, in order to avoid sliding into sharp polarisation.
Diplomatically, the UAE has taken firm and clear steps: closing its embassy in Tehran, withdrawing the ambassador and mission members, summoning the Iranian ambassador to the UAE, and delivering a strongly worded protest note condemning in the strongest terms the unacceptable hostile escalation and the cowardly attacks and aggressions, and affirming that the UAE will not accept any infringement upon its sovereignty or security.
In light of this situation, which casts its shadow over global stability, the UAE stresses that developments are being addressed through a balanced strategic reading, away from emotional rhetoric.
Our message is clear: the Iranian attacks and aggressions are unjustified, and a military solution will only lead to further crises. The rational path to prevent the expansion of military conflict remains serious and responsible dialogue. These attacks carry dangerous repercussions for bilateral relations, which will have a direct impact at all political, economic, and commercial levels.
Regionally, the United Arab Emirates has called upon the international community, particularly the Security Council, to assume its responsibilities in condemning these attacks and taking the necessary measures to prevent their recurrence. The matter is not limited to the Iranian nuclear file; it extends to the missile programme, which constitutes a direct threat to Iran’s neighbours and requires comprehensive and responsible international treatment.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that despite the gravity of the events, our position remains balanced: We do not seek to expand the scope of confrontation, nor do we believe that military solutions create lasting stability. Our region does not need further escalation. A return to the negotiating table remains the only rational path to prevent its expansion.
Our message here is clear: the United Arab Emirates is a country of safety and stability, home to more than 200 nationalities living in harmony. However, it does not compromise when it comes to protecting its sovereignty. We call for de-escalation, but we retain our full right to self-defence. We seek sustainable regional stability based on respect for our sovereignty and non-interference in our affairs.
With this balance between resolve and responsibility, the UAE proceeds with confidence and resilience, defending its security, safeguarding regional stability, and believing that a secure future is not built by force alone, but through dialogue, vision, and shared aspirations for a more prosperous future.
So that trust remains stronger than fear.
So that structured institutional action moves faster than chaos.
And so that decision-making remains calm amid the noise.
Thank you.
(Host)
Thank you, Your Excellency. Indeed, the UAE always underscores that it is not a state of reactive responses, but one that remained committed to a strategic vision.
Economically, what measures have been taken, and are being taken, to ensure business continuity, market stability?
HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism will brief us on these details. The floor is yours, Your Excellency.
(HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority)
Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters. I welcome you all to this media briefing, which is being held in parallel with the current regional developments.
In this part of the briefing, we will focus on the economy, tourism, aviation, and the business environment in the country. We will review how our national economy, thanks to its diversity, openness, and global readiness, is best positioned to navigate this crisis. Guided by the far-sighted vision of our leadership, the UAE has adopted proactive strategies and policies that have made the national economy more resilient and better able to withstand economic pressures and challenges, including regional and global geopolitical developments.
In this context, we affirm that the UAE economy has demonstrated its strength in absorbing the pressures generated by economic and geopolitical crises and challenges, whether international or regional, while maintaining its stability with high efficiency. Among the reasons for this resilience are the red lines established by our leadership regarding food security, and the UAE’s development of a strong and sustainable legislative framework founded on flexibility, proactivity, and openness to the world, alongside advanced technological infrastructure.
The UAE has also strengthened its economic and investment partnerships with vital markets around the world, built a business environment that ranks among the most distinguished globally, and supported economic diversification opportunities. These structural transformations in our economy have provided the UAE with high readiness and solid economic capacity to protect the businesses and investments of both the public and private sectors.
Distinguished attendees, with regard to price monitoring of goods and products, and the availability of strategic stockpiles, I would like to underscore that the UAE has given this file the utmost importance for many years, and continues to do so, given its direct impact on the stability of living standards for citizens and residents.
Allow me to highlight the key points that confirm the robustness of the UAE’s food security system and its readiness to monitor markets, track any price fluctuations, ensure stability, and protect consumer rights.
The UAE maintains a strategic stock of essential commodities sufficient to cover market needs for a period ranging from four to six months, guaranteeing the availability of basic goods and price stability even under emergency conditions. Today, the UAE possesses an extensive network of partner markets that supply it with imports of various goods and products, with the ability to swiftly and efficiently identify alternative sources during crises and emergencies. Strategic stockpiles are distributed across the country in a well-planned and appropriate manner, under clear directives and unlimited support from leadership. The import of goods and merchandise proceeds according to approved plans and at the required pace, with no indicators of disruptions in supply chains.
The Ministry of Economy, in cooperation with local economic authorities and other relevant entities, monitors suppliers’ inventory levels and conducts reviews on a daily basis. The Ministry, in cooperation with local economic zones, carries out precise analyses of the adequacy of every capacity. It maintains real-time, round-the-clock oversight of commodity prices at retail outlets and stores through a dedicated regional platform linked to 627 key points of sale. The Ministry and its partners also executed 420 inspection tours and field visits during the past days and month, continuously assessing supply-and-demand levels on a regular basis to keep prices in check and intervene when necessary. The Ministry, together with its partners from the local economic zones, conducts market inspections and deals seriously with consumer complaints to ensure that no practices exploit the situation to raise prices unjustifiably, not only for essential goods but for all goods and services offered to consumers.
Companies are also required to uphold their social responsibility toward the community, especially during times of crisis, and to take into account exceptional circumstances in a manner that balances business sustainability with consumer protection. Based on this reality, I call upon the public across all Emirates to follow sound consumption practices, purchase according to actual need, and avoid stockpiling or excessive buying, as this contributes to price stability and ensures availability for all. In the event of any market violations, shortages, hoarding, fraud, unfair commercial practices, or unjustified price increases, the Ministry will take deterrent measures against violators to preserve market stability. We encourage the public to contact the Ministry at 800-1-222 in case of any violations.
Ladies and gentlemen, regarding the tourism sector, the UAE has succeeded in delivering an outstanding tourism experience, proactively and with high readiness managing numerous past crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other regional and international challenges.
Today, amid the current crisis, the tourism sector comprises more than 1,260 hotels alongside over 40,000 companies operating in the UAE markets in tourism-related fields. We reassure tourists and visitors to our dear country, as well as hotel guests, that government entities, including the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the local tourism departments, are working in close partnership with hotel establishments and tourism companies. We are joining forces at full readiness to ensure their safety and security, the smoothness of their tourism experience, the fulfilment of their requirements and needs, and the delivery of services at the highest levels of quality and professionalism.
Distinguished attendees,
The aviation sector in the UAE has addressed the current developments within a clear institutional framework based on high readiness, proactive planning, and full coordination with the relevant authorities, ensuring business continuity while maintaining the highest safety and security standards in the sector. Within this framework, the General Civil Aviation Authority is continuously coordinating and following up with partners to carry out ongoing assessments of the current situation and its developments.
This enables systematic planning for the gradual and safe resumption of air traffic in the country’s airspace. Coordination has also been carried out with neighbouring states to open dedicated emergency air corridors safely, in addition to coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to activate the approved regional emergency plans for this type of crisis. Current absorption capacity, based on the available emergency routes, stands at 48 flights per hour, with the possibility of gradually increasing this number in the coming period according to developments in the situation and safety assessments.
As a result of the measures taken, the UAE has begun implementing limited operational flights to facilitate the return of citizens and residents to the homeland. Flights have already been operated to return travellers affected by the current circumstances through the country’s airports. This is being carried out in successive phases.
Phase one, from 1 March 2026 until now, has transported 17,498 passengers on 160 flights operated by national carriers. The next phase will ensure the operation of more than eighty scheduled flights per day, with a capacity to transport over twenty-seven thousand passengers. In parallel with these efforts, and under leadership’s directives and based on the UAE’s deep-rooted humanitarian approach, the UAE has announced it will cover accommodation and catering costs for stranded passengers at airports affected by the postponement of some flights, while ensuring the continued provision of essential services and logistical support to travellers who were unable to fly during the operational suspension period. This comes as part of the commitment to airspace safety and human safety.
Our top priority will always remain unchanged, and what we are witnessing today underscores the robustness of our national system and its high efficiency, built on integrated roles and effective partnership with an aware and responsible community that understands the importance of compliance and solidarity in such circumstances.
We urge passengers affected by flight disruptions not to head to the airports until the airlines contact them, to avoid overcrowding and ensure smooth passenger flow. We will get through this phase, as we have overcome others before, with greater strength and steadfastness, preserving the UAE’s position as a safe and reliable global civil-aviation hub.
We also stress the importance of verifying information from official and trusted sources, avoiding rumours or misleading news, and referring to official channels such as the UAE Government Media Office, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Interior, and all other relevant government entities, to ensure accuracy and sound decision-making.
In conclusion, national efforts continue to bolster business-community confidence in the UAE economy, safeguard its growth and stability, and protect the safety and security of tourists and visitors, thereby supporting the long-term economic, tourism, and strategic goals of our nation and contributing to societal welfare and sustainable economic and social development.
(Host)
We now turn to His Excellency Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmed, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior.
Please proceed.
(Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmed, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior)
Ladies and gentlemen, amid the developments in the region, including the blatant attacks on the UAE we stress that security across every part of the country remains stable, and readiness levels are at their highest. This is achieved through precise professional standards and a clear institutional methodology.
The Ministry of Interior operates within a proactive, integrated security system in partnership and coordination with more than 25 national entities, enhancing role integration, response speed, and decision-making accuracy. The system relies on comprehensive national plans that are updated continuously, based on periodic risk assessments and scenario analysis, ensuring permanent preparedness for any contingency. The Ministry has also reinforced its field presence with more than 3,200 specialized vehicles.
Readiness has also been reinforced with more than 4,100 traffic and security patrols, as well as armed response units, deployed within a proactive framework that ensures rapid intervention and effective on-the-ground response.
The Ministry relies on fixed and mobile federal operations rooms, along with police centres deployed across the field and supported by the latest global technologies. This ensures swift response to reports and achieves response times that rank among the best worldwide, while continuing to deliver security and policing services efficiently and consistently under all circumstances.
It underscores that the general indicators reflect a high level of stability and discipline across various sectors as a result of integrated institutional work and continuous 24-hour readiness. Field performance proceeds according to clear operational plans supported by real-time monitoring and analysis of data, ensuring rapid response and efficient management of any emerging developments.
This integration of efforts strengthens community confidence and confirms that the system operates efficiently and proactively to preserve stability and safeguard the safety of all at all times.
We renew our emphasis to the esteemed public on the importance of obtaining information from official sources and fully adhering to the instructions and safety procedures issued by the relevant authorities, while maintaining normal daily life as much as possible. Society is a genuine partner in preserving stability, and awareness is a national responsibility that enhances the resilience and security of the nation.
(Host)
How is the national response coordinated among the different entities?
His Excellency Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, gives us the details. The floor is yours, Your Excellency
(HE Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesman for the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority)
Thank you very much.
Since the onset of the events, the national system has responded with high professionalism and proactivity, in accordance with the highest standards of readiness and preparedness, and through full national integration among all responding entities, ensuring swift decision-making and precise implementation.
The system operates through continuous and comprehensive assessment of risks and threats, ensuring the protection of lives, the safeguarding of national gains, and the uninterrupted continuity of essential services.
This represents the culmination of institutional efforts built on proactive planning, joint national exercises, and the development of sustainable capabilities that enhance the Nation’s readiness and resilience in confronting various scenarios.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We note that daily life in the country continues as normal, and that essential services, including energy, water, telecommunications, transport, healthcare, and the availability of goods and supplies, are operating efficiently and regularly.
Business continuity plans have been activated as a precautionary measure to ensure the preparedness of vital sectors for any developments, with alternative operational arrangements available when necessary. The objective is to maintain the regularity of services and prevent any impact on society or economic activities.
We also confirm that the educational system continues without interruption through the activation of remote learning systems, ensuring the stability of the academic pathway for students at all levels. This reflects our commitment to enabling students to continue their education in a stable and safe environment that guarantees continuity and learning.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In terms of travel movements, an integrated operational plan has been prepared to address the situation of stranded individuals within the country. This is being implemented through direct coordination with the relevant authorities and airlines to operate between 200 and 300 flights in the coming period, according to an organised timetable that ensures their safe and smooth departure.
This effort reflects the scale of national coordination and the high level of operational readiness to manage air traffic under exceptional circumstances, while facilitating the necessary procedures to ensure the stability of those stranded until their departure. Arrangements for their travel are being undertaken to affirm the UAE’s commitment to caring for all those present on its territory, through the provision of accommodation, the issuance of necessary visas, and transportation services. The safety and dignity of every individual remain at the forefront of the Nation’s priorities under all circumstances.
Ladies and gentlemen,
From the very first moment, we witnessed strong societal solidarity reflecting the awareness of citizens and residents alike. Everyone stood united in addressing these circumstances with a spirit of responsibility and adherence to official guidance.
We value and commend the awareness and cohesion demonstrated by our community during this crisis, which reflects their deep-rooted confidence in the UAE’s security and safety apparatus. This was not spontaneous; rather, it is the result of years of continuous work, which established a national model founded on preparedness and solidarity, regardless of the circumstances.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Since the onset of the crisis, the Authority has activated the Joint National Media Cell around the clock, with the participation of all relevant entities, to ensure operations are conducted proactively. Through that, we ensure that the UAE community and the international community are kept fully informed of all developments with clarity and transparency, while continuously providing the public with all preventive guidance and instructions to safeguard health and safety.
For citizens, residents, and visitors alike, the Media Cell has also utilized the Early Warning System to alert the public immediately. We stress the importance of not underestimating such warnings and the necessity of strictly adhering to the instructions contained within them.
We further emphasise the vital role of society at this stage by relying solely on accredited sources and refraining from circulating inaccurate information or rumours. Community awareness and commitment are fundamental elements in strengthening reassurance and stability, and the public remains a key partner in the national readiness system.
(Host)
Thank you to His Excellency Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.
The real question, esteemed attendees, in circumstances such as these, is not how the UAE responds, but how we preserve our achievements firmly, no matter how intense the challenges.
National achievement is not measured only by the projects that are built, but by the trust that has been firmly established over decades. The United Arab Emirates is managing this phase with steadiness and carefully studied plans, supported by an economy capable of absorbing such challenges, a conscious and cohesive society, and calm decision-making that does not get drawn into reactive responses.
Exhaustion may be a tactical approach elsewhere, but here in the UAE, steadfastness is the strategy.
We extend our thanks to Their Excellencies for the comprehensive clarifications they have provided, which reflect the UAE’s national efforts across various segments. We also express our appreciation to representatives of the local, regional, and international media for your presence and for your professional role in conveying information with accuracy and responsibility, in a manner that strengthens awareness and trust.
Wishing you continued well-being and safety.
Thank you.
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