Three killed, 112 injured in UAE since start of missile and drone attacks

Intense aerial assault tests Gulf nation’s defences amid regional escalation
Abu Dhabi — The United Arab Emirates has reported three civilian deaths and 112 injuries since a sustained wave of missile and drone attacks began, according to official statements from the country’s Ministry of Defence and emergency authorities.
The attacks — attributed by Emirati authorities to retaliation linked to the broader US–Israel conflict with Iran — have seen hundreds of aerial threats launched toward UAE territory over recent days. Despite the overwhelming majority being intercepted by state air defences, debris and falling projectiles have caused casualties and disrupted life in major cities including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Nature of the Attacks
In the most recent reported assault on March 7, UAE air defence systems tracked and intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of a fresh wave of attacks. One missile reportedly fell into the sea outside national territory.
Since the onset of the hostilities, the Ministry of Defence said it has detected 221 ballistic missiles and 1,305 drones, with the vast majority successfully destroyed or neutralised by air defence systems. Only a small number of projectiles — including drones — have struck within UAE territory.
In addition, eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed during the same period, part of what officials have described as an “unprecedented” volume of aerial threats aimed at the Gulf state.
Casualties and Impact
Official figures confirm three fatalities, involving nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The 112 injuries reported thus far are described as minor and encompass residents of diverse nationalities including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, and Turkish communities.
These figures have been updated as attacks continued over subsequent days. Some earlier reports indicated a lower number of injuries as the situation evolved.
Beyond human harm, fragments from intercepted projectiles have caused scattered property damage. In previous episodes of the escalation, debris has ignited fires and damaged infrastructure in urban areas.
Government Response and Civil Defence
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence has repeatedly reiterated its readiness to respond decisively to any threats that endanger the country’s security and sovereignty. Authorities continue to underscore the effectiveness of air defence systems, noting interception success rates above 90 percent for both missiles and drones in many recent engagements.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) has issued safety alerts for residents in Emirates such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai during periods of heightened threat. These advisories have urged the public to follow official guidance and remain indoors when alerts are active.
To reduce panic and misinformation, UAE authorities have also cautioned against filming or sharing unverified footage of the attacks on social media, warning that it could lead to legal repercussions if it misrepresents the security situation.
Leadership and Public Solidarity
Amid ongoing operations, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited survivors of the strikes receiving treatment in hospitals. In remarks reported by state media, the president praised the solidarity and cooperation shown by the community, emphasizing that such unity has been crucial in managing public safety during the crisis.
Several of the injured have been treated and discharged, local reports indicate, reflecting both the quality of medical response and the relatively minor nature of most injuries sustained.
The UAE’s confrontation with missile and drone attacks occurs within the wider milieu of escalating tensions in the Middle East. A broader conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran has drawn retaliatory actions across multiple fronts, affecting several Gulf states. International diplomatic efforts continue alongside these military developments.
As of March 7, the UAE continues to operate its civil and economic functions while maintaining heightened military readiness and coordinating with allied partners to monitor and deter further threats.