Abu Dhabi: Drone debris hits Etihad Towers façade, woman and child injured
UAE defence systems are successfully responding to any aerial threats
ABU DHABI – Debris from a drone intercepted by air defence systems struck the façade of one of the buildings at Etihad Towers on Sunday, leaving a woman and her child with minor injuries and causing limited material damage.
Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred after the drone was successfully neutralised mid-air. Emergency teams responded promptly, securing the site and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors within the prominent waterfront complex in the capital.
Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident involving the fall of debris from a drone after it was intercepted by air defence systems onto the façade of one of the buildings at Etihad Towers. The incident resulted in minor injuries to a woman and her child, as…
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The Abu Dhabi Media Office said competent authorities were dealing with the aftermath of the falling debris. It clarified that loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations and urged the public not to circulate rumours or misleading information, advising residents to rely solely on official sources for updates.
Loud sounds
Residents in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai reported hearing loud blasts for a second consecutive day as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against neighbouring Gulf states following US and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.
Officials stressed that the sounds were linked to air defence activity and confirmed that systems operated as intended. The incident at Etihad Towers was described as contained, with injuries classified as minor.
Earlier today, an Asian national died and seven others were injured following a separate incident linked to the interception of a drone targeting Zayed International Airport. Debris from the intercepted drone fell in the vicinity of the airport, leading to casualties before the situation was brought under control.
In a statement issued early Sunday morning, Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed that competent authorities had dealt with the incident promptly. The fatality and injuries were caused by falling debris after the drone was successfully intercepted before reaching its intended target.
UAE intercepts Iran’s missiles, drones
Separately, the Ministry of Defence detailed the scale of the aerial assault since the onset of the Iranian attack. According to the Ministry, at least 137 ballistic missiles were detected, of which 132 were destroyed while five fell into the sea.
At least 209 drones were identified. Of these, 195 were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country’s territory and waters, resulting in minor side damage. Authorities confirmed that debris from intercepted missiles and drones landed in separate areas, affecting a number of civilian facilities.
The Ministry underlined the operational readiness of the UAE’s air defence systems, stating that multiple aerial threats were handled simultaneously in accordance with established protocols. Emergency procedures were swiftly activated wherever debris fell, with affected sites secured to protect public safety.