UAE says it intercepted three ballistic missiles, detected 129 drones on March 4

Abu Dhabi, March 4, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The UAE Ministry of Defence said air defence systems intercepted three ballistic missiles on Wednesday and detected 129 drones, of which 121 were intercepted while eight fell within the country’s territory.

In an update covering the conflict period, the ministry said it has detected 189 ballistic missiles launched towards the UAE since what it described as Iranian aggression began, with 175 destroyed, 13 falling into the sea and one landing within the country. It said 941 Iranian drones were detected over the same period, with 876 intercepted and 65 falling within the UAE. It added that eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.

The ministry said the attacks caused 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.

It said sounds heard in different parts of the country were due to air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft intercepting drones and cruise missiles, and that the operations caused minor to moderate material damage to a number of civilian facilities.

The ministry condemned the targeting, calling it a violation of national sovereignty and international law, and said the UAE reserves the right to respond and take measures to protect its territory, people and residents.

It said it remains fully prepared to address threats and urged the public to rely on official information and avoid circulating rumours or unverified reports.