UAE Says Air Defences Engaging Missile Threat as Qatar Condemns Iran-Linked Attack in Saudi Arabia

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat across the country as regional hostilities continue to intensify.

Residents have been advised to remain indoors and follow official instructions while defensive operations are underway.

According to a report by Gulf News, authorities urged residents to “remain in safe locations and follow all warnings and updates from official channels.”

The ministry stated that loud sounds heard in several regions were caused by “air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles” and fighter jets “engaging drones and loitering munitions.”

Authorities have placed the military on high alert to neutralise further aerial threats and urged residents and travellers to “stay in safe locations and follow official channels for real-time updates.”

How Many Ballistic Missiles and UAVs Has UAE Air Defence Intercepted Since the Conflict Began?

While officials did not specify the exact locations targeted, the government reiterated that “all residents are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to official safety guidance” until the threat is fully neutralised.

The latest alert follows an earlier update issued on Sunday detailing interceptions of missiles and drones launched from Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

According to the ministry, UAE air defences detected 17 ballistic missiles, successfully destroying 16, while one fell into the sea. A total of 117 unmanned aerial vehicles were also detected, of which 113 were intercepted and four fell within the country's territory.

Officials said the attacks are part of a broader cycle of retaliatory strikes by Iran following the outbreak of war after a joint operation by the United States and Israel killed the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, on February 28.

Since the start of the hostilities, UAE air defences have detected 238 ballistic missiles. Of these, 221 were intercepted, 15 fell into the sea and two impacted the country.

What Casualties and Injuries Have Been Reported in the UAE Amid Iranian Attacks?

During the same period, 1,422 Iranian UAVs were detected, with 1,342 intercepted and 80 impacting UAE territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and successfully destroyed.

The ministry said the attacks have resulted in four deaths among Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, while 112 people sustained moderate to minor injuries.

Those injured include nationals from the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros and Turkiye.

The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its readiness to address any threats and vowed to respond firmly to attempts to undermine national security.

It said all measures are in place to ensure the protection of the UAE’s sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Why Did Qatar Condemn the Iranian Attack on a Residential Facility in Saudi Arabia?

Meanwhile, the government of Qatar strongly condemned an attack attributed to Iran that targeted a residential facility in Al-Kharj in Saudi Arabia, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to several others.

In an official statement released on Sunday on X, Doha described the strike as a serious violation of international norms and warned that such actions could further destabilise an already tense regional environment.

According to Qatar, the incident represents a clear breach of internationally accepted legal principles and raises concerns about rising tensions in the region.

“Qatar deems the attack a flagrant violation of international law and its principles, and a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region,” the statement added.

Why Did Qatar Reject Iran’s Justifications for Attacks in the Region?

The remarks were issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, which also rejected the explanations offered by Tehran for conducting attacks within the region.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar's categorical rejection of the justifications offered by the Islamic Republic of Iran for targeting countries in the region,” the ministry said.

Qatar stressed the importance of respecting international law and maintaining peaceful relations among neighbouring states.

“The Ministry stresses the necessity of respecting the rules of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness and avoiding anything that could widen the circle of tension in the region,” the statement added.

Doha also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the incident.

“The Ministry also expresses Qatar's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to preserve its security and stability,” the statement said.

Concluding the statement, Qatar extended condolences to the victims and their families.

“Qatar extends its sincere condolences to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”

(With inputs from ANI)