Ugandans living and working in the United Arab Emirates are among dozens of residents injured after Iranian drones and missiles struck parts of the Gulf state, according to figures released by the UAE Ministry of Defence.
In a statement, the ministry said the UAE air force and air defence forces have, since the start of what it called the Iranian attack on 28 February 2026, detected 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones aimed at the country. It said most were intercepted, but some debris and a number of drones fell within the UAE, causing damage to civilian property.
Day two interceptions and civilian impact
The ministry said that on the morning of the second day of the attack, air defences destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, while eight missiles fell into the sea. It also said two cruise missiles and 311 drones were destroyed, although 21 drones struck civilian targets.
Across the period covered, the UAE reported that 152 of the 165 ballistic missiles were destroyed, with 13 falling into sea waters. The two cruise missiles detected were also destroyed, it added.
Fatalities and injuries
The incidents resulted in three deaths involving people of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities, the ministry said. It also reported 58 minor injuries among a wide range of nationalities, including Ugandans, alongside Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan residents.
“Full readiness”
The UAE Ministry of Defence said some debris fell in different areas as air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones, causing minor to moderate damage to a number of civilian properties. It stressed that the armed forces remain on full alert and that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains the top priority.
