UAE Shoots Down Iranian Missiles, Drones

March 7, 2026

Israeli tanks gather in the upper Galilee near the Israel-Lebanon border on March 7, 2026. Israel's military on March 7 warned residents in a district of south Lebanon's Tyre to evacuate ahead of strikes on Hezbollah military infrastructure. "The IDF will soon strike military infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, following its prohibited attempts to restore its activity in the area", the army said in a message addressed to residents of Zuqaq al-Mafdi in Tyre also published on social media in Arabic. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Saturday that it intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched by Iran as Tehran continued its attacks on the Gulf state.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the country’s air defence systems detected a wave of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles during the latest assault.

“UAE air defence systems detected today, Saturday 7th March 2026, 16 ballistic missiles, of which, 15 were intercepted and destroyed, while one ballistic missile fell into the sea,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.

“Air defence systems also detected 121 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), of which 119 were intercepted, while two fell within the territory of the UAE.”

Rubble of destroyed buildings is seen at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, Burj al-Barajneh neighbourhood, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

The incident marks the latest escalation in tensions between Iran and its Gulf neighbour, as regional security concerns continue to rise amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

Dubai’s main airport, a key global transport hub, was forced to briefly close on Saturday as Iran launched missiles and drones at targets across the Gulf.

Author

Toyibat Ajose

Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.