UAE issues high alert in Abu Dhabi as defence operations respond to missile threat amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Residents in Abu Dhabi were placed on high alert after authorities issued an emergency warning while the country’s defence forces responded to incoming aerial threats. The alert came amid escalating regional tensions linked to the widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has begun to affect several Gulf states.The UAE’s Ministry of Interior sent emergency notifications urging residents to seek immediate shelter, stay indoors and avoid windows or open areas as air defence systems engaged potential missile and drone threats in the skies. Authorities also warned people not to film or approach incident sites to ensure public safety and allow emergency responders to operate effectively.According to officials, the UAE activated its advanced air defence systems to intercept incoming projectiles during the operation. Loud explosions were reported in parts of the capital as interceptors neutralised aerial threats before they could reach critical targets. Despite the tense moments, authorities reassured the public that the situation was under control and the defence systems were functioning effectively. The alert forms part of a broader regional security situation. Since late February 2026, the UAE has faced a series of missile and drone launches connected to the ongoing confrontation between Iran and its adversaries. Defence officials say hundreds of drones and missiles have been detected, with most successfully intercepted before impact.The current tensions stem from a rapidly escalating conflict across the Middle East. Military exchanges between Iran and US-Israeli forces have led to missile barrages across the Gulf region, forcing several countries, including the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain, to activate air defence systems and issue public safety warnings.While the UAE has not been directly involved in the fighting, its strategic location and presence of international military facilities make it vulnerable to spillover threats. Officials say the country remains in a state of defence readiness as security agencies monitor the situation and coordinate with regional allies.Even when interceptions are successful, authorities warn that falling debris from destroyed missiles or drones can still pose dangers on the ground. In recent incidents across the UAE, debris from intercepted projectiles has damaged buildings and vehicles, highlighting the risks posed by the wider conflict.Emergency services and civil defence teams remain on standby across the country and residents have been urged to follow official instructions and rely only on verified information sources during security alerts. After defence operations concluded, authorities later announced that the immediate threat had passed and that residents could resume normal activities while continuing to remain vigilant. Officials emphasised that the UAE’s security and defence forces remain fully prepared to respond to any further threats as the regional situation evolves.