ABU DHABI: President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the country was passing through a period of war but remained resilient, following Iranian missile and drone attacks amid escalating regional tensions.
Speaking during a visit to people injured in recent strikes, the UAE president said the country would continue to fulfil its duty to protect its citizens and residents.
“The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh — we are no easy prey,” Sheikh Mohammed said in remarks broadcast by Abu Dhabi TV.
He said the country, which comprises seven emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, would ensure the safety of everyone living in the federation.
“The UAE is in a period of war, but we will emerge stronger,” he added.
Call for de-escalation
Separately, an Emirati official said the UAE wanted an immediate end to Iranian attacks on Gulf countries that are not directly involved in the conflict.
The official warned that further escalation would increase instability in the region and called for efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading.
“We want the war to be contained and not expanded,” the official said, urging Iran to halt attacks on neighbouring states.
Missile and drone interceptions
Earlier, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones targeting the country.
According to a statement posted on X, air defences detected 16 ballistic missiles, of which 15 were intercepted and destroyed while one fell into the sea.
The ministry said air defence systems also detected 121 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), of which 119 were intercepted while two fell inside UAE territory.
Officials said a total of 1,305 Iranian UAVs had been detected so far, with 1,229 intercepted and 76 falling within the country. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.
Authorities said the attacks resulted in the deaths of three people — a Pakistani, a Nepali and a Bangladeshi national — while 112 individuals of various nationalities were injured.
The strikes came amid rising tensions in the Middle East following ongoing military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States.