Date: March 7, 2026 l Reporter: Mensah
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared that it will emerge “stronger” despite continuing missile and drone attacks from Iran as the Middle East war escalates across the Gulf region.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan made the statement during an interview with Abu Dhabi TV, acknowledging that the country is currently facing a period of conflict but expressing confidence that the nation will overcome the crisis.
“This is a period of war,” the UAE president said, adding that the country would ultimately become stronger despite the ongoing attacks.
The remarks came as Iran launched another wave of missile and drone attacks targeting several Gulf states, prompting the UAE’s defense systems to intercept incoming threats. Authorities said the loud explosions heard in parts of the country were the result of air-defense systems destroying missiles and drones in the sky.
Government officials also issued emergency alerts urging residents to remain calm and seek shelter in safe buildings while the interceptions were underway.
During the attacks, debris from intercepted aerial threats reportedly fell in parts of Dubai, resulting in the death of an Asian driver whose vehicle was struck in the Al-Barsha area. Authorities described the incident as an unintended consequence of successful air-defense interceptions.
The attacks also disrupted air travel in the region. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, temporarily suspended operations before partially resuming flights later the same day as authorities assessed the security situation.
Explosions were also reported in Manama, Bahrain, where warning sirens were activated as air-defense systems responded to incoming threats.
The missile and drone strikes are part of Iran’s retaliatory campaign following the outbreak of war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The conflict, which began in late February 2026, has rapidly expanded across the Middle East and raised fears of a wider regional confrontation.
Security analysts warn that continued strikes across Gulf countries could threaten energy infrastructure, aviation routes, and global oil supplies, further intensifying economic and geopolitical instability worldwide.