IRANIAN WAR ESCALATION: UAE INTERCEPTS NEW MISSILES, DRONES TARGETING DUBAI

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense has confirmed that its integrated air defence systems responded to a fresh wave of missiles and drones launched from Iran that were believed to be targeting Dubai and surrounding areas.

According to an official statement, the UAE’s radar and defensive networks detected a number of incoming Iranian‑origin ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on March 11, 2026, with the vast majority successfully intercepted before they could strike populated zones or critical infrastructure. Authorities issued mobile alerts urging residents to seek shelter before lifting them after the threat passed.

The interceptions come amid a broader regional escalation triggered by a joint U.S.–Israeli offensive on Iran that began in late February, leading Tehran to retaliate with frequent missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. The UAE defence ministry said its systems remain “vigilant” and are operating with support from international partners to safeguard national airspace and civilian lives.

Recent defence ministry figures showed that, since the start of the Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have detected and intercepted hundreds of drones and dozens of ballistic missiles, underscoring the scale and persistence of the aerial threat.

The ongoing campaign has heightened concerns over security across the Gulf region, particularly in major hubs like Dubai, which have long been considered stable centres of tourism and business. Multiple Gulf nations have reported similar missile‑ and drone‑related alerts and interceptions in the wake of the expanding conflict.

International reactions to the escalations have included calls for restraint, diplomatic engagement, and emergency sessions among global security bodies amid fears the violence could spread beyond the immediate theatre of conflict.