UAE says dealing with a 'barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran'

The UAE's Ministry of Defense has announced the successful interception of ballistic missiles fired by Iran. (Credit: X)

• UAE intercepted 161 of 174 ballistic missiles from Iran
• 645 of 689 Iranian drones were shot down by UAE defences
• Three killed, 68 injured, and minor damage reported in UAE

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s defence ministry said it was 'dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran' and that it is fully ready to address all threats to 'ensure the protection of the state's territories and the safety of citizens and residents.'

Earlier on Monday (March 2) night , UAE's defence ministry said that its air defences successfully intercepted nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, and 148 drones.

Taking to X, the ministry said since the beginning of the Iranian attack, 174 ballistic missiles were launched towards UAE have been detected, of which 161 were destroyed while 13 fell into the sea.

"A total of 689 Iranian drones were also detected, with 645 intercepted, while 44 landed within the country’s territory. Additionally, 8 cruise missiles were detected and destroyed, causing some collateral damage," said the ministy adding that the incident led to three fatalities and 68 minor injuries.

The Defence Ministry affirmed that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter jets intercepting drones and cruise missiles. These interceptions led to minor to moderate material damage to a number of civilian properties.

Considering it a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law, the ministry strongly condemned the military targeting and said the country "reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territories and people, as well as its residents, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its national interests and capabilities."

The Defence Ministry confirmed that it is on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront anything that targets the security and stability of the country.

The ministry urged the public to obtain information only from official sources in the country and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information.

In the early hours of March 1, UAE authorities said defensive forces intercepted a large barrage of projectiles launched by Iran, after Tehran promised retaliation for ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. UAE air defences shot down numerous missiles and drones, but debris caused damage to key infrastructure in Dubai, including near the international airport and luxury landmarks like the Burj Al Arab hotel. A small number of residents were injured and flights were disrupted.

The Iranian strikes form part of a broader escalation that began after coordinated US and Israeli military action against Iranian targets. Iran launched drones and ballistic missiles at Gulf states where US forces operate, including the UAE, Qatar and others.