The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple missiles and drones during the latest wave of attacks linked to the ongoing regional conflict.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, most of the incoming threats were destroyed before reaching the country.
In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said air defence systems detected 15 ballistic missiles on Monday. Out of these, 12 missiles were successfully destroyed, while three missiles fell into the sea without causing damage.
The ministry also reported that 18 drones (UAVs) were detected, of which 17 were shot down, while one drone fell within the country’s territory.
UAE air defences intercept 12 ballistic missiles, 17 UAVs.
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 9, 2026
UAE air defences on Monday detected 15 ballistic missiles, of which 12 were destroyed, while 3 missiles fell into the sea. A total of 18 UAVs were also detected, with 17 intercepted, while 1 fell within the country’s… pic.twitter.com/7l2tjyclK5
The ministry revealed that the UAE has faced a significant number of aerial threats since the conflict began. According to official figures, 253 ballistic missiles have been detected since the start of Iranian attacks.
Of these, 233 were intercepted and destroyed, 18 fell into the sea, and two landed within the UAE.
More than 1,400 drones launched
The UAE Ministry of Defence also reported a large number of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being detected during the conflict.
A total of 1,440 drones were identified, of which 1,359 were intercepted by air defence systems. Meanwhile, 81 drones fell inside the country’s territory.
The ministry added that eight cruise missiles were also detected and successfully destroyed.
Casualties among foreign nationals
The attacks have also caused casualties among civilians from multiple countries. Authorities confirmed that four people were killed, including nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
In addition, 117 people sustained minor injuries during the attacks.
The injured include nationals from several countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan and Palestine.
UAE vows firm response
The UAE Ministry of Defence reiterated that the country remains fully prepared to respond to any threats. Officials said the armed forces will take decisive action against any attempt to undermine the country’s security.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting the UAE’s sovereignty, national interests, security and stability.
