UAE Condemns Iran's Attacks as Three Injured in Fujairah
Air defences intercept 19 projectiles in first major escalation since April ceasefire, flights resume normal operations.
- Publish date: Tuesday، 05 May 2026 Reading time: 3 min reads
The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation of renewed Iranian missile and drone attacks on its territory, describing the strikes as a "dangerous escalation" and reserving its right to respond.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems successfully engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones launched from Iran on Monday. Three people sustained injuries in a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone following a drone strike, according to the Fujairah Media Office. All three victims were Indian citizens who were transported to hospital for treatment.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the attacks as an "unacceptable transgression" violating international law and the UN Charter. The ministry stated the UAE would not compromise on protecting its security, sovereignty, and citizens under any circumstances, emphasizing its "full and legitimate right to respond."
Commercial aviation has largely returned to normal following significant disruption on Monday. Flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports operated normally on Tuesday morning, with only minor delays and cancellations. Dubai's flight tracker recorded disruptions primarily affecting routes to and from Bahrain and several Iraqi airports.
In Sharjah, inbound overnight flights landed as scheduled, and early-morning departures proceeded on time. FlightRadar24 reported multiple flights diverted to Muscat during the attacks, while others landed safely in Dubai and Sharjah after circling over Al Ain and Oman.
UAE authorities issued a series of missile alerts across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi on Monday, beginning at 5pm. The Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) urged residents to seek shelter, stating: "Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates."
Residents reported hearing loud blasts in Dubai and Sharjah during the evening, which authorities attributed to successful interceptions. This marks the first time such alerts have been issued since the conditional ceasefire between the US and Iran on April 8.
The Emirates had previously faced daily barrages of missile and drone strikes from Iran following the outbreak of war on February 28.
The renewed attacks coincide with the start of a US operation allowing commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under American military protection. Reports emerged of attacks on several vessels in the area on Monday, including a ship affiliated with ADNOC.
Two drones targeted the vessel, though no injuries were reported, the UAE Foreign Ministry confirmed. The ministry accused Iran of a "terrorist attack," calling it a flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 on freedom of maritime navigation.
"Targeting commercial navigation and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure or economic blackmail constitutes acts of piracy by the Iranian [Islamic] Revolutionary Guard [Corps] and poses a direct threat to the stability of the region and its people and to global energy security," the ministry stated.
The UAE called on Iran to cease the attacks and commit to reopening the strait unconditionally.
Separately, UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident involving a cargo vessel approximately 66km north of Dubai, where the vessel experienced an engine room fire. All crew members were reported safe, and authorities are investigating the cause.