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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 conflict
2026 Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates is located in United Arab Emirates
2026 Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates
2026 Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates
2026 Iranian strikes on the United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates)
Date28 February 2026 – present (2 days)
Location
United Arab Emirates, specifically in and around Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Status Ongoing
Belligerents
Iran United Arab Emirates
United States
Units involved
 Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force		  United Arab Emirates Air Force
 United States Air Force
Casualties and losses
3 people killed, 58 injured

On 28 February 2026, following the coordinated 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched a series of ballistic and drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates. The attacks killed 3 foreign nationals (Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi) and injured 58 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.[1][2][3][4] In late February, an Israeli American coordinated air strike was launched against Iran, targeting its leaders and main military infrastructures and air defense systems. In retaliation to these attacks Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones against several countries around the Middle East that included the UAE, Bahrain,[5] Qatar[6], Kuwait[7], Saudi Arabia,[8] and Israel.[9][10][11][12][13]

Attacks

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As of February 2026, Iran has fired 165 ballistic missiles and 2 cruise missiles against the UAE, while 541 Iranian drones were detected. Most of the missiles and drones were intercepted by UAE air defenses.[14][15][16][17] 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.[18][19][20][21]

28 February

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Iran launched the first wave of ballistic missiles and drones toward U.S. bases in Abu Dhabi, including Al Dhafra Air Base. UAE defenses 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 U.S. forces at Al Dhafra, causing minor structural damage to base facilities from secondary explosions.[22][23]

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.[24] 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.[25]

1 March

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In the early hours of morning, Dubai International Airport was struck by a suspected air strike, leading to four staff being injured[26] and an evacuation.[27] The airport sustained "minor damage", and emergency teams were deployed immediately during evacuation.[28] The incident was contained rapidly as contingency plans were already put in place.[27] 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.[29]

AWS reported that, at 4:30 AM (Pacific 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 'localized power issues' in az3.[30]

2 March

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On March 2, UAE Defense Ministry reported the extent of its operations facing Iran. According to it 541 drones were detected, 506 of them destroyed, while 35 falling inside the country. In addition 165 Iranian ballistic missiles were tracked, 152 of which were intercepted, while 13 fell into the sea.[31]

Damage

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Fallen debris caused damage to structures in Dubai, including areas around Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab hotel.[32][20] In the residential and commercial areas of Abu Dhabi debris caused damage to property killing one civilian and injuring several others.[14]

Casualties

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Since the Iranian strikes began on February 28, three people were killed and 58 were injured according to statements from the UAE defense ministry. The civilians killed were foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.[33][34] 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.[35]

UAE response

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Officials from the UAE have 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.[36][37] Following the ongoing attacks by Iran, the UAE closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrew its ambassador and all diplomatic staff.[38]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Trump tightens the screws on Iran's oil". Brookings. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "U.S.-Iran deal is "within our reach," Omani mediator says - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 27 February 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  4. ^ Roth, Andrew (25 February 2026). "Marco Rubio briefs US lawmakers on Iran as Trump uses State of the Union to threaten nuclear programme". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  5. ^ Lehmann, Noam (28 February 2026). "Bahrain: Sirens activated as Iran targets US bases". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ "Drone attacks targets Kuwait international airport". www.iranintl.com. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Update from Ismaeel Naar". The New York Times. 28 February 2026. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  9. ^ Edwards, Christian; Tsui, Karina; McCluskey, Mitchell (28 February 2026). "What we know about the US-Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliation". CNN. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  10. ^ "Netanyahu says Israel, US launched strikes to 'remove the existential threat' posed by Iran". The Times of Israel. 28 February 2026. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  11. ^ "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.
  12. ^ "Iran targets US bases across Persian Gulf states, IRGC-aligned outlet says". www.iranintl.com. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  13. ^ Moon, Joon-hyun (2 March 2026). "Iran conflict highlights S. Korea's tech exposure in the Gulf". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  14. ^ a b "UAE targeted by Iranian strikes for second day – here's what you need to know". 2026.
  15. ^ "Número de mortos nos Emirados Árabes sobe para 3". CNN Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  16. ^ "One person killed in UAE after Iranian strikes". CNN. 28 February 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  17. ^ "Iran names interim leaders as Israeli rescuers say nine killed in missile attack - live updates". BBC News. 1 March 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  18. ^ "Explosions reported in Kuwait and UAE". news.am. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  19. ^ "Drone attacks targets Kuwait international airport". Iran International. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  20. ^ 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.
  21. ^ "Iran names interim leaders as Israeli rescuers say nine killed in missile attack - live updates". BBC News. 1 March 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  22. ^ "US and Israel launch attack on Iran, as Trump says 'major combat operations' under way". BBC News. 28 February 2026. Archived from the original on 28 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 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. ^ 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.
  25. ^ "Update from Ismaeel Naar". The New York Times. 28 February 2026. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  26. ^ Tangalakis-Lippert, Taylor Rains, Katherine. "Suspected airstrikes force evacuation at Dubai airport as drone debris kills 1 at second UAE hub". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ a b "Dubai airport shock: Iran attacks DXB? Emirates media confirms 'minor damage', 4 staff injured amid Iran vs US-Israel attacks". The Times of India. 1 March 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  28. ^ Lawati, Laura Sharman, Abbas Al (1 March 2026). "Passengers flee smoke-filled Dubai airport as Iran attacks major Gulf travel hubs". CNN. Archived from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ "What's happening at Dubai Airport's Terminal 3? Scary videos emerge amid emergency alert". Hindustan Times. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  30. ^ "Operational issue - Multiple services (UAE)". 1 March 2026. Archived from the original on 2 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  31. ^ "UAE says it intercepted 506 drones, 152 missiles while Bahrain thwarts 95 aerial attacks". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  32. ^ "Live updates: UAE condemns attacks, offers condolences to family of Pakistani national". Gulf News. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  33. ^ "Bangladeshi among 3 killed, 58 injured in UAE as Iranian attacks continue". UNB. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  34. ^ "US Israel Iran War: 3 killed, 58 injured as UAE intercepts 165 missiles, 541 drones since Feb 28". Business Today. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  35. ^ "Indian among 58 injured as 3 dead in UAE in Iranian strikes". National Herald. 1 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
  36. ^ "From Qatar to Bahrain, mapping US military presence in Middle East as US enters Israel-Iran conflict". 2026. Archived from the original on 23 June 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  37. ^ Pavithran, Lekshmy (1 March 2026). "UAE intercepts missiles, drones in Iranian attack: Latest updates so far". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 1 March 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  38. ^ "UAE Shuts Embassy in Tehran in Response to Iranian Strikes". 2026.
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