The Ministry of Defence announced that UAE air defence systems successfully intercepted three ballistic missiles today, 4th March 2026, and detected 129 drones, of which 121 were intercepted while eight fell within the territory of the state.

The ministry stated that since the start of the blatant Iranian aggression, 189 ballistic missiles launched towards the UAE have been detected, with 175 missiles destroyed, 13 falling into the sea and one missile landing within the territory of the state. A total of 941 Iranian drones have also been detected, of which 876 were intercepted, while 65 fell within the country. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

The attacks caused some collateral damage and resulted in three fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities, as well as 78 minor injuries among individuals of Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationalities.

The ministry confirmed that the sounds heard in different parts of the country are the result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft intercepting drones and cruise missiles. These operations caused minor to moderate material damage to a number of civilian facilities.

The ministry strongly condemned this military targeting, describing it as a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law. It affirmed that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people and its residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security and stability and protects its national interests and capabilities.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated that it remains fully prepared and ready to address any threats and is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront anything that seeks to undermine the country’s security and stability. It added that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority that cannot be compromised.

The ministry also urged the public to obtain information from official sources within the country and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information.

WAM

The UAE Ministry of Defence said on Monday that the country’s air defence systems had successfully intercepted and destroyed nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and 148 drones during attacks launched by Iran.

In a detailed update, the ministry said that since the beginning of the assault, a total of 174 ballistic missiles had been detected heading towards the country. 

Of these, 161 were intercepted and destroyed, while 13 fell into the sea. It added that 689 Iranian drones had also been tracked, with 645 intercepted and 44 falling within the UAE.

The ministry said eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed, noting that some caused limited collateral damage. The attacks resulted in three deaths and 68 minor injuries.

It said the sounds heard in different parts of the country were the result of interceptions carried out by air defence systems against ballistic missiles, as well as by fighter aircraft targeting drones and cruise missiles. These operations, it said, led to minor to moderate material damage to a number of civilian sites.

The ministry strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a blatant act of aggression and a serious violation of national sovereignty and international law. 

It said the UAE reserves the full right to respond to the escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, safeguard its security and stability, and defend its national interests.

The ministry added that it remains on high alert and fully prepared to address any threats, stressing that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority.

It also urged the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports.

GN

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, have attended the Abu Dhabi Government’s Ramadan Majlis, Barzat Abu Dhabi, organised by the Abu Dhabi Media Office at Qasr Al Hosn from 21 to 26 February 2026.

Their Highnesses exchanged Ramadan greetings and well wishes with Abu Dhabi Government leaders, employees, and their families, praying that the blessed month brings continued prosperity, peace, and progress to the UAE, its leadership, citizens, and residents.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour underscored that Ramadan Majalis provide an important platform to strengthen community engagement and reinforce values of cohesion and social solidarity.

He noted that bringing together Abu Dhabi Government employees and their families at Barzat Abu Dhabi reflects the spirit of one united family that characterises Emirati society, particularly as 2026 has been designated the Year of Family.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour added that the Holy month of Ramadan renews the values of generosity and giving, fosters unity and collective action, and supports a government work culture grounded in collaboration and teamwork, contributing to the continued progress of the UAE’s development journey.

For his part, H.H. Sheikh Khaled emphasised that Barzat Abu Dhabi, rooted in the UAE’s longstanding Ramadan majalis tradition, reflects the Abu Dhabi Government’s commitment to cultivating a positive and motivating work culture that balances professional and family life, strengthens institutional excellence, and enhances the efficiency and quality of government performance.

He highlighted that organising the initiative during the Year of Family reflects the leadership’s vision to reinforce the family as a cornerstone of social and institutional stability, fostering a more cohesive and high-performing government ecosystem that advances national development across all sectors through a spirit of teamwork.

Barzat Abu Dhabi serves as a platform to strengthen institutional cohesion and promote a culture of collaboration across Abu Dhabi Government entities. Drawing on the enduring traditions of Ramadan majalis and the UAE’s values of social solidarity, the initiative supports the development of a more connected and integrated work environment, enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of government performance.

The initiative coincides this year with the designation of 2026 as the Year of Family, aligning with the leadership’s vision to empower families and reinforce their central role as the foundation of a stable and thriving society. The participation of employees’ families in the Ramadan majlis activities further promotes work-life balance and nurtures a cohesive government community that continues to contribute effectively to the nation’s comprehensive development journey.

Employees’ family members participated in a range of accompanying cultural and recreational activities, including interactive handicraft workshops, art exhibitions, and live heritage and musical performances. These activities celebrate the richness of Emirati cultural heritage and help instil national identity among present and future generations.

The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court; as well as a number of ministers and senior Abu Dhabi Government officials.

WAM