Iran Launches Fresh Barrage of Missiles and Drones at UAE; Dubai Air Defence Systems Activated

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday morning, May 8, activated its air defence systems after Iran launched missiles and drones towards the Gulf nation, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence (MOD). Authorities said the interceptions took place amid escalating tensions in the region following overnight exchanges of fire between the US and Iran.

In a statement posted on X, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its defence systems were “successfully engaging” aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من ايران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الاصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة تعامل منظومات الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية للصواريخ الباليستية، والجوالة والطائرات المسيرة.

UAE Air Defences system… pic.twitter.com/zXBJJUad1T

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) May 8, 2026

Loud explosions were heard during the early hours of Friday. The ministry clarified that the sounds were linked to ongoing interception operations carried out by the country’s air defence systems. 

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“The sounds heard across the country are the result of the UAE air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” the ministry said. Officials added that air defence units remained on high alert and were continuing operations against incoming missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats.

No casualties or damage in following attack from Iran have been reported till now. Security agencies are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Officials urged residents to rely on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information online as defence operations continue.