UAE Faces Unprecedented Ballistic Missile Attack, Civilian Casualties Reported

ABU DHABI / DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) came under an unprecedented ballistic missile attack on Saturday, 28 February 2026, when multiple missiles entered its airspace, reportedly launched from Iran, according to Gulf Times.

The UAE’s Air Defence Systems successfully intercepted the majority of the missiles mid-air, preventing widespread destruction, Gulf News reported. However, debris from one intercepted missile struck a residential area, killing a civilian of Asian nationality and causing minor damage to several homes and properties.

Residents in the capital Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions, while smoke plumes were seen in the sky following missile interceptions. Debris reportedly fell in areas including Saudiat Island and Khalifa City. In Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, falling debris ignited a fire in a residential building, which was quickly brought under control by the Civil Defence. Four people sustained minor injuries in the incident.

For safety reasons, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) temporarily restricted air traffic over the UAE, including partial closures of key flight routes and operations at Dubai International Airport. Authorities urged the public to rely only on official and verified sources for information. Social media users were warned against sharing unverified videos or rumors, with legal action threatened against violations. The Bangladesh Embassy also posted guidance discouraging the spread of unverified information on social platforms.

The UAE government described the attack as a blatant violation of its national sovereignty and international law. The Ministry emphasized that the country reserves the full right to take any necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens.

The incident marks one of the most serious security breaches in the UAE in recent years, raising regional tensions and prompting heightened alert across the Gulf.