OAN Staff Addie Davis
5:58 PM – Thursday, March 5, 2026
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense reported that of the seven ballistic missiles and 131 drones detected on Thursday, officials intercepted six missiles and 125 drones.
The “more than 1,000 attacks” figure refers to the total number of threats intercepted since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28th.
In an X post on Thursday, the Ministry explained that one missile and six drones landed within UAE territory. To date, the Ministry has tracked a total of 196 ballistic missiles and 1,072 drones launched at the country.
While the vast majority were neutralized, 13 missiles fell into the sea, and two missiles and 71 drones fell on land. Additionally, eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.
Commenting on the post, the UAE Embassy U.S. X account gave an update from Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba.
“Still Iran’s largest target, the UAE continues to successfully track & intercept Iranian missiles & drones,” the post stated, adding that UAE air defenses have destroyed 92% and 93% of missiles and drones launched at the country, respectively.
The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that the attack claimed three lives, identifying the victims as nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Beyond the fatalities, the scale of the incident left 94 others injured. While the number of casualties is significant, authorities noted that the injuries were classified as minor, with victims receiving immediate medical attention.
In a subsequent post on X this Thursday, the Ministry of Defense detailed a phone call between Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum — Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense — and the Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During the conversation, both leaders issued a joint condemnation of the attacks, reaffirming their shared stance against threats targeting their own nations and “brotherly” neighboring states.
“Both sides condemned the heinous attacks that constitute a clear violation of international covenants, state sovereignty, and the security and safety of their peoples,” the post stated. “Both sides affirmed the two countries’ right to take all measures deemed necessary to protect their capabilities and ensure the safety of all who live on the soil of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.”
According to VisaHQ, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has established air corridors with a capacity of 48 flights per hour, while national carriers have already completed 60 evacuation missions.
In a further show of support, the government is providing hotel accommodations for stranded tourists and has pledged to cover all medical expenses resulting from the attacks.
“Officials reiterated that the UAE has not participated in offensive operations and will maintain neutrality, but reserves ‘full and legitimate rights’ to self-defence,” VisaHQ added.
During a press conference, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy condemned the Iranian attacks while simultaneously urging a return to “the negotiating table.” She reaffirmed the UAE’s long-standing policy, stating that the nation “does not allow its territory to be used for any military operations against Iran.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed on Wednesday that 49 high-ranking Iranian regime officials have been killed so far, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and over 2,000 targets have been struck as a result of Operation Epic Fury.
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