The United Arab Emirates' air defenses successfully intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles, and 47 drones launched by Iran on Friday, the Ministry of Defence announced. The barrage marked another escalation in Iran's ongoing campaign of aerial attacks against the Gulf state.

Falling debris from the interceptions sparked a fire at the Habshan gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE's largest gas plant, causing significant damage and leading to an operational suspension for safety assessments. One Egyptian national died during the evacuation at Habshan, while four others sustained minor injuries: two Pakistanis and two Egyptians. In a separate incident in Abu Dhabi's Ajban area, debris injured 12 people—seven Nepalese, including one with severe injuries, and five Indians with minor to moderate wounds.

Authorities issued four alerts in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai, urging residents to remain in safe places. Churches, a Hindu temple, and a Sikh gurdwara in Dubai closed temporarily, along with the Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi since early March.

Since the start of Iran's strikes, UAE defenses have engaged 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles, and 2,085 drones. The attacks have killed two UAE Armed Forces members on duty, one Moroccan civilian contractor, and nine civilians of various nationalities, including Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, and Indian. Additionally, 203 people from dozens of nationalities have been injured, with conditions ranging from minor to severe.

The Ministry of Defence stated it remains on high alert to counter any threats and protect the nation's sovereignty, security, and interests. Officials emphasized the need to halt military escalation through diplomacy.

Iran's strikes on the UAE began in late February 2026, following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iranian targets. The UAE has borne a disproportionate share of the attacks, intercepting hundreds of projectiles with success rates exceeding 95% for drones and up to 99% for missiles in some cases. Neighboring Qatar also reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles amid the heightened tensions.

The incidents underscore the UAE's robust multilayered air defense systems, including U.S.-supplied THAAD, which have neutralized threats before impact in most cases. Despite the interceptions, debris-related risks have prompted repeated public safety measures across the emirates.