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2026 Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates

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2026 Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates
Part of the 2026 Iran war
Date28 February 2026 – present (6 days)
Location
United Arab Emirates, specifically in and around Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Status Ongoing
Belligerents
Iran United Arab Emirates
United States
France
Australia
Units involved
See order of battle
Casualties and losses
3 killed, 78 injured

On 28 February 2026, following the coordinated 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched 189 ballistic missiles, 941 drone attacks and 3 cruise missiles (according to UAE ministry) against the United Arab Emirates by 4 March.[1] The attacks have killed 3 people and injured 78 others.

Background

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Main articles: 2026 Iran–United States crisis, Iran–Israel proxy conflict, and 2026 United States military buildup in the Middle East

Following the high tensions and military conflict that began during late 2023, the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, the reinstatement of economic sanctions and Iran and the 2025-2026 Iranian protests and massacres, the US started a military buildup in the Middle East, with the aim for regime change in Iran.[2][3][4][5] In late February, an Israeli American coordinated air strike was launched against Iran, targeting its leaders and main military infrastructures and air defence systems. In retaliation Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones against several countries around the Middle East that included the UAE, Bahrain,[6] Oman,[7] Qatar,[8] Kuwait,[9] Saudi Arabia,[10] and Israel.[11][12][13][14][15]

Attacks

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As of 3 March 2026, Iran has fired 174 ballistic missiles, with 161 being intercepted and 13 falling into the sea. All eight cruise missiles sent were intercepted. 689 unmanned aerial vehicle were launched by Iran, of which 645 were intercepted and 44 caused impact in the country.[16] Most of the missiles and drones were intercepted by UAE air defences.[17][18][19][20] Even though most of them were destroyed, interception debris and falling projectiles fell on populated areas in Abu Dhabi and Dubai causing damage to civilian infrastructure and starting fires.[21][9][22][20]

28 February

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Iran launched the first wave of ballistic missiles and drones toward US bases in Abu Dhabi, including Al Dhafra Air Base. UAE defences intercepted most, but debris fell in a residential area near Zayed International Airport, killing one civilian (a Pakistani national) and injuring seven others from shrapnel and blasts. Loud explosions shook the Corniche, Al Dhafra, and Bateen districts, with smoke rising over the city. This strike targeted US forces at Al Dhafra, causing minor structural damage to base facilities from secondary explosions.[20][23]

The Al Minhad Air Base was also attacked by Iran. The Air Base is operated by the United Arab Emirates Air Force and the Royal Air Force. It is also home to Camp Baird, the Australian Defence Force Headquarters Middle East (HQME).[24][25]

A Shahed-type drone reportedly struck near the Fairmont The Palm Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, causing a large explosion and fire. Four individuals were injured, primarily from debris and blast effects. The attack disrupted the luxurious district, with windows shattering in nearby buildings.[26] The UAE said that it had intercepted a "new wave" of Iranian missiles and that "fragments from the interceptions" had fallen in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, causing damage to Burj Al Arab.[27]

1 March

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An emergency alert sent to UAE residents amidst the Iranian strikes. This specific one was sent shortly before Dubai International Airport was struck at around 12:30 A.M. local time.[28]

In the early hours of morning, Dubai International Airport was struck by a suspected air strike, leading to four staff being injured[28] and an evacuation.[29] The airport sustained "minor damage", and emergency teams were deployed immediately during evacuation.[30] The incident was contained as contingency plans were already put in place.[29] Videos were later posted on social media at around 1:30 AM local time, indicating that the airport was struck in Dubai International Terminal 3.[31] A fire also broke out at the Jebel Ali Port, which was attributed to by the Dubai government to debris from "aerial interception" of an Iranian attack.[32] French naval air base Camp de la Paix near Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi was also struck by drones.[33]

AWS reported that, at 4:30 AM Pacific Standard Time (4:30 PM Gulf Standard Time), one of its data centers in mec1-az2 was on fire after being struck by 'objects' and the power was then shut down. Later that day, AWS reported 'localised power issues' in az3.[34]

2 March

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On 2 March, UAE Defence Ministry reported the extent of its operations facing Iran. The Ministry updated its interception figure to 174 ballistic missiles tracked (161 intercepted and 13 falling to the sea) and 689 detected drones (645 intercepted) plus eight cruise missiles which struck the country.[35]

3 March

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France deployed Rafale jets to protect its bases following the attacks at Camp de la Paix and Al Dhafra.[36] An Iranian drone strike on the United States consulate in Dubai caused a fire to break out. The government's media office claimed to have contained it with no injuries.[37]

At approximately near midnight, explosions were heard in a US consulate. Authorities said that a limited fire broke out in the consulate following a drone targeting operation, and was quickly contained with no injuries.[38]

Damage

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Fallen debris caused damage to structures in Dubai, including areas around Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab hotel.[39][22] In the residential and commercial areas of Abu Dhabi debris caused damage to property killing one civilian and injuring several others.[17]

Casualties

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Since the Iranian strikes began on 28 February, three people were killed and 78 have been injured according to statements from the UAE defence ministry as of 5 March 2026.[40] The civilians killed were foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.[41][42] Authorities also reported 58 minor injuries among people of various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan origin.[43] No injuries were a direct result of the attacks themselves, but were instead due to debris and shrapnel from interceptions.[44]

UAE response

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Officials from the UAE condemned the attacks by Iran, calling them a "flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law", while stating the country has a right to protect itself and its civilians. Safety measures were implemented including airspace closures and public safety advisories, and urged residents to rely on official sources for information.[45][46] Following the ongoing attacks by Iran, the UAE closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrew its ambassador and all diplomatic staff.[47][48]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "UAE and Qatar aligned that Iran 'crossed a red line' with air strikes". euronews. 4 March 2026. Archived from the original on 4 March 2026. Retrieved 4 March 2026. 189 ballistic missiles have been launched against the UAE, 175 of them "destroyed." Additionally, 941 Iranian drones have been detected and 876 were intercepted. Eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed, "causing some collateral damage" and resulting in three fatalities of Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationalities.
  2. ^ "Trump tightens the screws on Iran's oil". Brookings. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  3. ^ Ansari, Ali (14 January 2026). "How much longer can Iran's Islamic Republic survive?". New Statesman. Archived from the original on 14 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  4. ^ "U.S.-Iran deal is "within our reach," Omani mediator says - CBS News". CBS News. 27 February 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
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  7. ^ "Oman port and tanker hit as US-Israeli attacks on Iran widen regional war". Ahram Online. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  8. ^ Abdi, Latif Dahir (28 February 2026). "Iran Hits Back Across the Mideast, Targeting U.S. Bases and Allies". The New York Times. Beirut. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
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  13. ^ "جنگ آمریکا و اسرائیل با ایران؛ چرا واکنش تهران این‌بار تنها چند ساعت طول کشید؟". BBC News فارسی (in Persian). 28 February 2026. Archived from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
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  20. ^ a b c "Trump says 'there will likely be more' US deaths as Iran strikes to continue until 'all' goals achieved". BBC News. 1 March 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
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  22. ^ a b "Iranian Shahed-136 drone strike reported near Burj Khalifa, smoke plumes captured on video: WATCH". 2026. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  23. ^ Salem, Mostafa (28 February 2026). "One person killed in UAE after Iranian strikes". CNN. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  24. ^ "ADF personnel are 'safe' after air base strike near Dubai, defence minister says". ABC News. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  25. ^ Greene, Andrew (4 March 2026). "Dubai airbase where ADF personnel stationed reportedly hit by Iranian missiles". The Nightly. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  26. ^ Mohamed, Edna; Marsi, Federica; Siddiqui, Usaid; Adler, Nils; Stepansky, Joseph; Pietromarchi, Virginia (28 February 2026). "US, Israel attack Iran live: Trump announces 'major combat operations'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
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  35. ^ "US 'stonewalling' requests by Gulf states to replenish interceptors, sources say". Middle East Eye. 3 March 2026. Archived from the original on 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
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  37. ^ "Fire after drone strike on US consulate in Dubai, local government says". BBC News. 3 March 2026. Archived from the original on 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
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  44. ^ "Cause of injuries". Khaleej Times. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
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  47. ^ Tarek, Sherif (2 March 2026). "UAE Shuts Embassy in Tehran in Response to Iranian Strikes". Bloomberg. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  48. ^ "Forty Korean tourists return from Dubai amid rising Middle East tensions". Joongang daily. 5 March 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
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