One dead, seven injured after Iranian drone targeting Abu Dhabi airport intercepted
UAE authorities detail scale of aerial threats neutralised
ABU DHABI – An Asian national has died and seven others have been injured following an incident linked to the interception of a drone targeting Zayed International Airport, UAE authorities confirmed early Sunday.
The debris from the intercepted drone fell in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in casualties and prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Officials stressed that the situation was swiftly contained in accordance with established safety protocols.
In a statement, Abu Dhabi Airports said the competent authorities in Abu Dhabi 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.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport. The interception led to falling debris, which resulted in one fatality of an Asian national and seven injuries.
— ABU DHABI AIRPORTS مطارات أبوظبي (@ad_airports) March 1, 2026
The airport operator urged the public not to circulate rumours or inaccurate information, emphasising that updates will be provided through official channels as developments occur.
UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, drones
Separately, the Ministry of Defence announced that, since the onset of the Iranian attack, UAE air force and air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country.
According to the Ministry, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles were detected. Of these, 132 were destroyed, while five fell into the sea. In addition, 209 drones were identified; 195 were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country’s territory and waters, resulting in minor side damage.
الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية تتعامل مع 137 صاروخاً و209 طائرة مسيرة
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) February 28, 2026
أعلنت وزارة الدفاع أن القوات الجوية والدفاع الجوي لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة نجحت منذ بدء الهجوم الإيراني، في التعامل مع وتدمير 137 صاروخاً باليستياً و209 طائرة مسيّرة أُطلقت باتجاه أراضي الدولة، مؤكدةً… pic.twitter.com/93XmWy7AgE
The Ministry underscored the high readiness and operational capability of the UAE’s air defence systems in addressing multiple aerial threats simultaneously.
Debris impact
Authorities confirmed that debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell in separate areas across the country. This led to minor material damage to a number of civilian facilities.
In each case, the competent authorities responded immediately, securing affected sites and implementing approved emergency procedures to ensure public safety. Necessary measures were taken to protect residents and maintain stability.
The Ministry strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a serious escalation that threatens civilian safety and regional stability. It reiterated the UAE’s rejection of such acts and stated that the targeting constituted a violation of national sovereignty and international law.
The Ministry affirmed that the UAE reserves the right to respond and to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens and residents. It added that armed forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to address any further threats.
Residents were once again urged to rely exclusively on official sources for accurate information and to refrain from sharing unverified reports.