Shahed-136 drones: UAE intercepts Iranian drones, debris falls in Abu Dhabi and Dubai | Watch

An Iranian Shahed exploding drone

• UAE intercepted Iranian missiles and drones with no major damage
• Debris from interceptions fell in Abu Dhabi, Dubai; no injuries
• Emirates flights suspended, Dubai city operations normal

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Iranian Shahed drones and missiles streaked across Gulf skies on Saturday, triggering air defence responses in the United Arab Emirates, with debris falling in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Loud blasts were heard across the day, and projectiles were seen over the capital’s financial district, raising anxiety among residents and the large Indian community in the region.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted multiple incoming threats.

“The Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE air defences successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones launched towards the country, and dealt with them with high efficiency, without any serious material damage.”

🇮🇷🇦🇪🇺🇸 Footage shows the moment an Iranian Shahed kamikaze drone impacted Dubai, UAE. pic.twitter.com/PxaQhZSsF1

— The threat of missiles and drones (@StatWatch25) February 28, 2026

Officials added that fragments from the interceptions fell in various areas of the emirates.

“The ministry said that a number of fragments intercepted by UAE air defenses fell in various areas of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, confirming that there were no injuries at the sites.”

The Ministry stressed its readiness to respond to further threats. “The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it is fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security and stability of the state, stressing that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors is a top priority that cannot be compromised.”

Calling the attack a breach of sovereignty, it said:

“The ministry stressed that this targeting is a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law, and it reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens, and to ensure the preservation of its sovereignty, security and stability.”

Authorities also urged caution against misinformation.

“The Ministry urges the public to obtain information from official state sources and to avoid circulating rumors or unreliable information.”

Earlier, residents reported seeing projectiles in the sky from Abu Dhabi’s financial centre, while people in neighbouring Dubai heard repeated explosions. Missiles were also intercepted in Riyadh and Doha. At least one person was reported killed in the region due to falling debris.

Despite the scare, Dubai’s media office said the city was operating normally. However, Emirates temporarily suspended operations — a move likely to disrupt travel plans for thousands, including Indian passengers transiting through one of the world’s busiest international hubs.

The UAE government reiterated that it will not allow its airspace, territory or waters to be used in hostile military actions and will not provide logistical support, even as regional tensions continue to escalate.