The United Arab Emirates said its military intercepted two drones launched from Iran on Sunday, as regional tensions across the Gulf continued to intensify.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems detected and destroyed the drones before they could reach their targets. Authorities said no injuries or fatalities resulted from the latest incident.
The ministry added that the country’s defence forces remain on high alert and continue monitoring the situation closely to protect national security and civilian infrastructure.
According to official figures, UAE Air Defences have intercepted hundreds of aerial threats since the escalation began. The ministry said military systems had stopped 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and more than 2,200 drones linked to ongoing attacks.
Officials described the operations as part of broader efforts to maintain the country’s stability and secure critical facilities across the UAE.
Although Sunday’s incident caused no casualties, authorities confirmed that previous attacks had resulted in deaths and injuries involving multiple nationalities. The ministry said two Emirati citizens and a Moroccan contractor working with the armed forces were among those killed during earlier incidents.
Civilian casualties from previous attacks have also included nationals from several countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, according to government data.
Meanwhile, officials stressed that UAE Air Defences continue operating with full readiness amid concerns over further regional escalation. The ministry said the armed forces possess the capabilities needed to respond rapidly to any threat targeting the country’s sovereignty or strategic interests.
Security analysts say the growing use of drones and missile systems has increased pressure on Gulf states to strengthen air defence coordination and regional surveillance measures.
The latest interception comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and several countries in the region, following a series of military incidents affecting shipping routes, infrastructure, and civilian areas.
In recent weeks, regional authorities have reported multiple drone-related security incidents near Gulf waters and strategic energy facilities. Governments across the region have increased monitoring operations as fears of wider instability continue to grow.
The UAE has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability while strengthening defensive measures against aerial threats.
Officials said UAE Air Defences will continue monitoring airspace around the clock as part of ongoing national security operations.
