UAE Air Defences Intercept Missile Waves Amid Regional Escalation; Authorities Urge Calm and Verified Information

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — 28 February 2026: The United Arab Emirates successfully activated its air defence systems this afternoon to intercept multiple waves of missiles and drones launched towards the country, officials confirmed, keeping the national security situation stable while urging residents to rely on verified official information. (WAM)

In response to the ongoing regional conflict triggered by military strikes on Iran earlier today by United States and Israeli forces, Iranian ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial threats were reported launched across the Gulf. UAE defence officials said that the nation’s layered missile defence infrastructure—which includes internationally recognised systems—dealt with these incoming projectiles with high efficiency, intercepting and destroying them before they reached populated areas. (WAM)

The Ministry of Defence reiterated that protecting the country’s territory, citizens, residents, and visitors is its foremost priority, and confirmed that all necessary security measures are being taken to maintain stability and public safety. (WAM)

UAE Air Defences Intercepted Multiple Waves; Public Safety Remains Priority

UAE air defence units engaged several successive waves of missiles and drones this afternoon, deploying radar-guided systems to neutralise threats. Authorities indicated interceptions occurred over both Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of the country’s comprehensive defence response. (The National)

While the interception operations were successful, debris from some of the destroyed projectiles fell in residential areas, resulting in material damage. Tragically, a civilian of Asian nationality was confirmed killed by falling debris in the Abu Dhabi area, and authorities expressed their condolences to the family. (WAM)

The UAE’s disaster response and emergency management bodies have also issued public safety advisories, urging people to avoid shrapnel and any suspicious objects that may have landed following the interceptions, and to permit trained personnel to manage these hazards. (Gulf News)

Government Statements on Security and Information Integrity

In official statements, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, underlining the country’s right to protect its territory and people from external threats. The Ministry reiterated that the overall security situation remains under control, with ongoing monitoring by relevant authorities around the clock. (WAM)

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) echoed these sentiments, confirming that the situation is being actively managed and that public safety remains paramount. NCEMA has repeatedly urged residents and visitors to obtain information only from recognised official sources and to avoid circulating unverified reports. (Khaleej Times)

Authorities have also highlighted the importance of cyber awareness in the current climate, noting that the UAE’s national cybersecurity infrastructure is fully operational and urging individuals to verify digital content before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation. (Gulf News)

Addressing Misinformation and Social Media Rumours

In the hours following the intercept operations, numerous unverified videos, outdated footage from previous incidents, and speculative narratives circulated across social media platforms and messaging groups, contributing to public anxiety—particularly among expatriate communities and their families abroad.

Experts specialising in information integrity emphasise that such content often lacks context, is mislabelled, or originates from unrelated events. Relying on official announcements from institutions such as NCEMA and the Ministry of Defence—or credible news agencies—is essential for accurate situational awareness. (Gulf News)

For authoritative updates on procedures and safety guidance related to incidents involving aerial threats and emergency response, readers may consult the UAE Government Portal (https://u.ae) or the NCEMA official website (https://ncema.gov.ae). These resources publish verified advisories, response frameworks, and public instructions.

Maintaining Normalcy and Public Services

Despite the temporary increase in alert status and precautionary advisories, UAE authorities confirmed that essential services and routine functions continue with minimal disruption. Airspace closures were enacted briefly as a precaution, and aviation stakeholders coordinated with international carriers to manage flight schedules and passenger safety. (The National)

Transportation authorities in the region also issued advisories, pointing to temporary impacts on inbound and outbound flights at major airports. Residents and travellers have been advised to check updates directly with airlines or through official aviation communication channels. (Khaleej Times)

Emergency response teams, including civil defence units, have been actively deployed to assess areas affected by debris fall and to respond to any reported incidents of damage. Coordination among meteorological, health, and public safety agencies remains in progress as part of the unified response strategy.

Public Messaging on Safety and Code of Conduct

UAE leaders and agencies have emphasised the importance of solidarity, calm, and adherence to official directives. Public messaging continues to reinforce that unverified rumours—whether spread intentionally or inadvertently—can erode trust and divert attention from life-saving procedures.

Residents are encouraged to follow guidance provided by authorities such as those issued on the official NCEMA social media channels and verified government information platforms. Such sources provide the most reliable updates on safety measures, restricted zones, and emergency contacts. (Khaleej Times)

For context on standard emergency management practices in the UAE, see previous coverage on disaster response protocols in the Emirates: Explore UAE emergency response frameworks and Understanding regional airspace safety measures and protocols. These internal links direct readers to comprehensive background information relevant to current events.

UAE authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as events unfold, with public safety and verified communication remaining central to the national response effort. (WAM)