International recognition
Sheikh Mohammed’s handling of the crisis earned international praise. In an unusual departure from protocol, then-Crown Prince Akihito wrote personally to the UAE’s Defence Minister to express gratitude. The incident strengthened ties between the two nations.
Sheikh Mohammed was also invited by Japanese Foreign Minister Kiichi Miyazawa to express gratitude for saving the lives of the passengers.
The success established Sheikh Mohammed as a skilled crisis negotiator, skills he later applied during the Lufthansa Flight 181 hijacking in 1977 and the Indian Airlines Flight 421 hijack in 1984.
Legacy established
Experts described the 1973 incident as “a prototype hijacking,” where “no one knew what you needed to do to get to where you needed to be.” Sheikh Mohammed’s approach “sort of set the bar for it,” influencing future hostage negotiation protocols worldwide.
“The hijackers’ hearts and minds were completely turned around, and I think that’s the power behind Sheikh Mohammed’s words that day,” said Schintu, highlighting how a young leader’s composure, strategic thinking, and diplomacy saved lives and established him as a natural leader.
