The United Arab Emirates has said its air defence systems intercepted the majority of ballistic missiles and drones launched towards its territory amid ongoing hostilities with Iran, describing the assault as a serious escalation that threatens regional stability.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UAE Ministry of Defence announced that since the onset of the Iranian attack, the country’s air force and air defence units had detected 137 ballistic missiles, destroying 132 of them, while five fell into the sea.
The Ministry also disclosed that 209 drones were detected, of which 195 were intercepted.
Fourteen drones, it said, landed within the country’s territory and waters, causing minor material damage.
“Debris from the intercepted missiles and drones fell in various locations, resulting in limited damage to some civilian facilities,” the Ministry stated.
Adding that relevant authorities responded immediately in line with established procedures to secure affected areas and ensure residents’ safety.
The government strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of national sovereignty and international law.
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It emphasised that the action represents a significant escalation that endangers civilian lives and undermines regional security.
The Ministry further affirmed that the UAE reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, protect citizens and residents, and defend national interests, noting that the country remains on high alert.
Minister of State for International Cooperation, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, said authorities were fully prepared to confront emerging threats.
“The authorities remain on high alert and are fully prepared to address any threats. We are committed to taking all necessary measures to safeguard our country and ensure the protection of all who live in and visit the United Arab Emirates,” the UAE Ministry of Defence said.
Authorities also urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information and to avoid spreading unverified reports, reiterating that the safety of nationals, residents and visitors remains the government’s highest priority.
The widening conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified regional instability.
The US-Israeli air campaign against Iran, launched on Saturday, led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with other senior leaders, and has expanded further since then.
Iran, which has been carrying out attacks on US allies, has vowed to exact revenge for the strike on its territory and the killing of Khamenei.
Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on targets in countries hosting American military assets, describing the operations as retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes on its territory.
Meanwhile, Iran had struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, triggering a fire in the diplomatic quarter.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said two drones hit the embassy compound in the early hours of Tuesday, causing “minor material damage” and “a small fire.”
Plumes of black smoke were seen rising over Riyadh’s diplomatic district, which houses several foreign missions. A loud blast was heard, and flames were visible at the site, although authorities described the fire as limited in scale.
The embassy building was reportedly empty at the time of the attack, and no casualties were recorded.
Air defence systems were said to have intercepted four drones targeting the diplomatic quarter during the assault.
