UAE Hit by Missiles and Drones: Key Highlights

Iran launched missile and drone attacks toward the United Arab Emirates this week, with UAE air defenses successfully intercepting the projectiles. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict and raise fears of a widening war across the Gulf.

🔥 The Attacks

• UAE air defenses intercepted missiles and drones originating from Iran on Saturday, March 28, with defense systems and fighter jets actively engaging incoming threats

• Explosions were heard across parts of the country as interceptions took place

• Similar attacks also targeted Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with all four Gulf countries reporting interceptions of Iranian projectiles

• Saudi air defenses destroyed 33 drones over the kingdom’s Eastern Province

• Bahrain reported a fire at a facility following “Iranian aggression,” with no injuries

📊 Scale of the Conflict

Since the war began on February 28, the UAE has faced daily attacks from Iran :

The eight civilians killed are citizens of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India. A Moroccan civilian contractor and two Emirati helicopter pilots have also been killed .

Injured individuals span 29 nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s diverse expatriate population .

🗺️ Why Is Iran Attacking the UAE?

Iran has accused Gulf countries, including the UAE, of allowing their territory to be used for US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets . Specific allegations included claims that attacks on Iran’s Kharg Island were launched from Ras Al Khaimah and near Dubai .

The UAE has firmly denied these accusations, with Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash stating the country “did not allow strikes from its territory” and remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy .

The attacks are part of Iran’s retaliation for the US-Israeli joint offensive on Iran that began February 28, which has killed more than 1,750 people in Iran, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei .

💬 UAE Leadership Response

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, during which he condemned the attacks and affirmed the UAE’s right to self-defense .

Sheikh Mohamed stated:

• The UAE is “fully prepared to confront all threats”

• The nation retains its “full right to self-defence in accordance with international law”

• The UAE will defend its sovereignty “with determination in the face of terrorist attacks” targeting civilians and infrastructure

Zelenskyy condemned Iran’s attacks as a violation of sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter .

🌍 Regional Impact and Fears

Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have effectively restricted shipping through this critical waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas normally flows . The disruption has sent energy prices soaring .

Civilian infrastructure targeted: Attacks have struck oil facilities, residential areas, and even near Dubai International Airport—one of the world’s busiest travel hubs—temporarily halting operations .

Gulf Arab states’ position: Despite initially lobbying against the US-Israeli strikes, Gulf countries now seek lasting security guarantees. Anwar Gargash, adviser to the UAE president, stated it is “inconceivable that this aggression should turn into a permanent state of threat” .

⚠️ Looking Ahead

Diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan mediating potential US-Iran talks. However, Gulf Arab officials have made clear they want Iran’s missile and drone capabilities “degraded as much as possible” before any ceasefire . Qatar, whose LNG production has halted due to attacks, insists Gulf countries must have a role in “rewriting the regional security system” .

As the conflict enters its second month, the direct targeting of Gulf Arab states marks a dangerous new phase—one that threatens not only regional stability but also global energy markets and international navigation.