One month of Iran attacks: UAE’s position explained amid drone, missile strikes

One month after Iran began launching missiles and drones towards the UAE and other Gulf states, Abu Dhabi’s message is clear: What it describes as “terrorism, premeditated intent and open aggression” will not shake its resolve.

In a post on X, senior diplomat Anwar Gargash reiterated that the country did not seek this war and had "worked to avoid it", a reference to efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran in a bid to prevent escalation.

Since the attacks first began on February 28, here is how the UAE has faced the crisis: From its position to the scale of strikes and casualties.

The scale of the attacks

Over the past month, the UAE has faced an unprecedented volume of aerial threats.

According to official figures, Iran has launched:

• 378 ballistic missiles

• 15 cruise missiles

• 1,835 drones

The vast majority were intercepted mid-air, with authorities consistently stressing a high success rate in neutralising incoming threats.

Despite this, falling debris and a small number of projectiles caused damage on the ground.

Human toll across nationalities

The attacks have resulted in casualties across both military and civilian populations.

Authorities confirmed the deaths of:

• Two UAE armed forces personnel, killed while performing national duty

• A Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces

• Eight civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities.

In total, 11 people were killed.

A further 171 people were injured, with cases ranging from minor to severe. Those injured were from 29 nationalities. The figures underscore the wide-ranging human impact of the attacks across multiple communities in the country.

What has been targeted

Authorities say the attacks have hit, or attempted to hit, a range of sites, including:

• Airports and aviation infrastructure

• Energy and fuel facilities

• Residential areas

• Commercial zones

Incidents have included drone-related fires near key facilities and debris damage in parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Even where impact was limited, officials have stressed that civilian-linked infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted.

UAE’s position: Not a party to the war

Throughout the conflict, the UAE has maintained that it is not a party to the war, and that:

• Its territory has not been used to launch attacks against Iran

• The strikes represent a violation of sovereignty and international law

• The country retains its right to self-defence.

UAE demands accountability and a conclusive outcome

• Writing in The Wall Street Journal, UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba said a ceasefire alone is not enough, calling for a conclusive outcome that addresses Iran’s full range of threats, including nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, proxy groups and threats to international shipping lanes.

• Iran must be held accountable for attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, senior diplomat Anwar Gargash has stressed.

• The UAE has warned against the weaponisation of global trade routes, with Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber describing threats to the Strait of Hormuz as “economic terrorism” impacting every nation through higher energy and food costs. “No country can be allowed to destabilise the global economy in this way. Not now. Not ever."

• Officials have rejected Iran’s characterisation of the strikes as “retaliatory”, with Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh calling them “unwarranted and utterly irresponsible” and dismissing any justifications as unacceptable.

How UAE continued to operate safely

While the attacks have dominated headlines, daily life across the UAE has largely continued, with adjustments.

Aviation:
Temporary disruptions were reported, particularly in the early days, with advisories issued to passengers. Operations have now stabilised.

Education:
Schools shifted to distance learning, with phased timelines and calendar adjustments across emirates and curricula.

Public safety:
Authorities issued clear guidance, including:

• Staying indoors during alerts

• Avoiding glass-fronted areas

• Not gathering near incident sites.

Alert systems were also adjusted, including quieter overnight notifications to reduce panic.

The information battle

Alongside the physical attacks, authorities have repeatedly pushed back against misinformation.

Claims such as:

• “Mass evacuation”

• “Airports shut”

• “Property market collapse”

were publicly debunked, with officials urging residents to rely on verified sources.

Legal action was also taken against individuals accused of sharing misleading or manipulated content.

International response

• The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution by consensus condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE, Gulf states and Jordan, co-sponsored by more than 100 countries, describing them as violations of international law and a threat to international peace and security.

• The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2817, condemning the attacks, with backing from 136 UN member states

• The International Maritime Organization adopted a resolution. supported by more than 115 member states, condemning threats to shipping and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.