UAE Intercepts Four Iranian Cruise Missiles, Reports Casualties

The UAE's Defence Ministry reported detecting four cruise missiles launched from Iran, with three successfully intercepted over territorial waters and one falling into the sea. The attacks have resulted in 11 fatalities, including two Emirati armed forces members and a Moroccan civilian contractor, as well as nine foreign nationals from various countries. A total of 203 people have been injured, with casualties spanning 28 nationalities including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Since the start of Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles, and 2,085 UAVs.

Key Points: UAE Intercepts Iranian Missiles: 9 Dead, 203 Injured

  • UAE intercepts 3 of 4 cruise missiles from Iran over territorial waters
  • Attacks have resulted in 11 fatalities including 2 Emirati soldiers and a Moroccan contractor
  • 203 people injured from multiple nationalities including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
  • UAE air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles and 2,085 UAVs since Iranian attacks began
2 min read

Missiles launched towards UAE from Iran: Defence Ministry

UAE Defence Ministry reports intercepting four cruise missiles from Iran. Attacks have killed 11, including two Emirati soldiers and foreign nationals, with 203 injured.

"Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat. - UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA)"

Abu Dhabi, May 5

The United Arab Emirates's Defence Ministry has reported that it detected four cruise missiles launched from Iran towards various areas across the country.

The Ministry reported on Monday that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of successful interception of the aerial threats.

UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) on social media platform X said that "Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates."

The authority also asked the people not to approach, touch or photograph any fragments or objects that have fallen as a result of successful air interceptions, and allow the relevant authorities to assess the situation.

The Authority issued a warning on Monday, the last warning was on April 8, 2026, according to their posts on X.

The Ministry said that out of four cruise missiles, three were engaged successfully over the country's territorial waters, while one fell in the sea.

On April 3, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said that its air defence engaged 18 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 47 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran.

According to the statement, the UAE's air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2,085 UAVs since the start of Iranian attacks.

"The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as nine fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities," it added.

"A total of 203 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia," the statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone living in the Gulf region, these numbers are staggering—475 ballistic missiles intercepted since the start of Iranian attacks? The UAE's air defense systems must be running on overdrive. Yet the human cost is tragic. Two Emirati soldiers, foreign workers from so many nations... war never discriminates.
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Kavya N
The casualties include nationals from 28 different countries. This is what happens when geopolitics goes wrong—ordinary people, including our Indian brothers and sisters, become collateral damage. Meanwhile, we in India are lucky to have relative peace, but our neighbors aren't so fortunate. Time for diplomacy to step up.
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Michael C
From a strategic perspective, the numbers are jaw-dropping: 475 ballistic missiles intercepted? That's almost one a day for over a year. The UAE is clearly a target, but their defense tech is doing its job. However, the human toll—especially among expat workers from South Asia—is heartbreaking. No one signs up for this when they go abroad for work.
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Rohit P
I have friends working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—this is terrifying. The UAE's air defense sounds effective, but when you hear about casualties including Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalis, Bangladeshis... it's a stark reminder that safety in the Gulf is fragile. Praying for all families affected. 🙏
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Emma D
What I find troubling is the warning issued back in April 2026 and now another one—this suggests systematic, ongoing attacks, not just isolated incidents. The international community needs to do more to de-escalate. It's not just about missiles; it's about the lives of everyday people from dozens of

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