The Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. ARCHIVE

Authorities confirmed on Sunday (March 1) that a drone attack at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi resulted in the death of one Asian national and injuries to seven others. Abu Dhabi Airports said emergency teams were deployed immediately and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. The development came as the Ministry of Defense announced that UAE air defence systems had intercepted large numbers of missiles and drones launched amid attacks by Iran. According to the Ministry, “137 Iranian ballistic missiles were detected and launched toward the country, with 132 of them destroyed, while five fell into the sea.” The Ministry added that “209 Iranian drones were detected, 195 of which were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country's territories and waters, causing some collateral damage.” As a result of the interceptions, debris fell in parts of the country, causing minor material damage to a number of civilian properties. Earlier on Saturday (February 28), shrapnel fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, killing a Pakistani national and causing damage, the Ministry said. During a second wave of strikes, fragments of intercepted missiles fell across areas including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohamed bin Zayed City and Al Falah. No injuries were reported in that wave. On Sunday (March 1), Dubai authorities confirmed that four people were injured after a concourse at Dubai International Airport (DXB) sustained minor damage. Another incident at a hotel on Palm Jumeirah also left four people injured, authorities confirmed. The Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms,” describing these as a violation of national sovereignty and international law. It stressed that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the security situation in the country is under control and is being monitored around the clock. The authority urged the public to stay away from areas where shrapnel or suspicious objects have fallen and to avoid approaching or photographing them. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior said it remains at the highest level of readiness and is closely monitoring regional developments in coordination with relevant authorities. On Saturday at 1pm, the General Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary closure of UAE airspace as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of flights and aircrews. Passengers were advised to contact airlines for updates, with airlines coordinating accommodation and assistance where needed. Authorities have continued to urge the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and to avoid circulating rumours during what officials described as exceptional circumstances. ICA/CAM/Expat Media ALSO READ: Latest updates on Iran strikes against UAE
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