During the UAE Government media briefing on March 3, 2026. ABU DHABI TV

The UAE Government on Tuesday (March 3) held a high-level media briefing as Iran’s missile and drone strikes against the emirates entered a fourth day, reassuring residents that the country remains secure, economically stable and fully operational despite ongoing regional tensions. Officials addressed national security, air defence operations, airspace management, food security and support for stranded tourists, stressing that life across the UAE continues as normal.

Key updates at a glance

• UAE: We do not seek to widen the conflict • 186 missiles, 812 drones intercepted so far • Safe air corridors handling 48 flights per hour • 3,200 specialised vehicles deployed in UAE • Over 4,100 security patrols deployed nationwide • Food stocks secure for up to six months • UAE covers hotel stays for stranded tourists • 24/7 planning and preparedness continues

UAE: We do not seek to widen the conflict, our territory will not be used for military action against Iran

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the UAE’s position has been clear from the beginning: its territory will not be used in any military operation against Iran. She stressed that the country reserves its full and legitimate right to self-defence and to protect its sovereignty. Al Hashimy said Iran launched its attacks without taking the UAE’s declared position into consideration. She noted that the UAE and other Gulf states had exerted diplomatic efforts to avoid military confrontation and escalation, underscoring that Gulf security is indivisible. She confirmed that the UAE has taken steps to close its embassy in Tehran and withdraw its ambassador. “Our message is clear,” she said. “The Iranian attacks are unjustified and carry serious consequences.” Despite the situation, Al Hashimy said all vital sectors in the UAE continue to operate without interruption, and daily life across the country is proceeding normally. “We do not seek to widen the conflict,” she added, stressing that the UAE does not believe military solutions lead to stable outcomes.

Missiles and drones blocked, no direct hits within UAE

Brig. Staff Pilot Abdulnasir Al Hammadi, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, said the loud sounds reported in several areas were caused by air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, as well as UAE fighter jets confronting drones and cruise missiles. He explained that the latest military figures reflect the full readiness of the Armed Forces and relevant authorities, enabling highly effective responses to various types of threats. Debris from intercepted missiles and drones accounted for recorded injuries and minor property damage, not direct strikes on targets within the country, he said. Interception operations were carried out with full professionalism and in line with approved rules of engagement and operational safety procedures. This allowed timely engagement of hostile targets while minimising damage and loss of life. “Our Armed Forces have shown, through their competence and experience, their ability to respond decisively to any threat or attempt to undermine the sovereignty of the state,” Al Hammadi said. He added that 24/7 monitoring of airspace, territorial waters and land borders continues, with reinforced deployments, elevated combat readiness and enhanced surveillance and early warning systems in place.

186 ballistic missiles, 812 drones dealt with

UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remains at the highest level of readiness and has the capabilities required to defend its territory regardless of how long the escalation continues. Brig. Staff Pilot Alhameedi said that since the start of the Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have dealt with 186 ballistic missiles launched towards the country. Of these, 172 were destroyed, 13 fell into the sea and one landed on UAE territory. He added that 812 Iranian drones were detected. Of these, 755 were intercepted while 57 fell within UAE territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. The incidents resulted in some collateral damage, three fatalities and 68 minor injuries, along with limited to moderate damage to several civilian properties. Alhameedi said the UAE has sufficient strategic stockpiles of munitions to sustain interception and response operations against aerial threats for extended periods, ensuring continued combat readiness.

Safe air corridors open, 48 flights per hour

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the UAE has opened safe air corridors in coordination with Gulf countries to maintain economic and tourism activity. These corridors have a handling capacity of 48 flights per hour, allowing aviation activity to continue in a structured and secure manner. Al Marri said the UAE economy has demonstrated strong resilience despite geopolitical pressures, crediting proactive and flexible strategies that have strengthened its ability to absorb external shocks.

More than 3,200 specialised vehicles deployed nationwide

The Ministry of Interior has expanded field operations across the country to further reinforce readiness in the emirates. Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Ahmad, Director General of Central Operations at the Ministry of Interior, said that more than 3,200 specialised vehicles have been deployed, alongside over 4,100 traffic and security patrols and armed response units. The reinforced deployment supports rapid intervention capabilities and strengthens on-ground response measures throughout the emirates. Authorities reiterated that security and public safety remain the top priority, with monitoring and operational measures continuing around the clock.

Food security a 'red line'

Minister of Economy and Tourism Al Marri stressed that the UAE’s food security system is a “red line”. He said the country has sufficient stockpiles of essential goods, with strategic reserves of key commodities adequate to cover domestic needs for four to six months. Import activity is proceeding as planned, with no disruptions in supply chains. Authorities are monitoring stock levels daily in coordination with suppliers to ensure continued availability of goods. He also noted that the UAE maintains a broad network of global trade partnerships, allowing it to quickly identify alternative markets if necessary. Plans are in place to distribute strategic commodity reserves across the emirates in a structured and balanced manner.

Government covers hotel costs for stranded tourists

In a move aimed at supporting visitors affected by flight disruptions, Al Marri said the government is covering hotel costs for tourists stranded in the country due to the recent Iranian attacks. “The UAE economy has proven its resilience in absorbing pressures generated by geopolitical and regional challenges,” he said, reaffirming that economic stability remains intact. For residents across the UAE, officials emphasised a consistent message: security forces remain on high alert, essential services are running without interruption, and the country’s economic and supply systems remain stable despite ongoing regional tensions.

Continuous planning and preparedness, says Ministry of Interior

Security conditions across the UAE remain stable, with readiness levels aligned with professional standards, according to Brigadier Al Ahmad of the Ministry of Interior. Speaking during the government media briefing on Tuesday, Al Ahmad said authorities continue to operate under a clear and coordinated national framework designed to ensure swift response to any development. He stressed that preparedness is not reactive but ongoing, supported by regular risk assessments and scenario planning. “The national security system is based on comprehensive plans driven by periodic risk assessments and scenario analysis, ensuring permanent preparedness for any emergency,” Al Ahmad said.

Integrated national security framework across 25 entities

Al Ahmad explained that the Ministry of Interior works in close coordination with more than 25 national entities as part of an integrated security structure. This approach, he said, enhances cooperation between agencies, shortens response times, and allows faster and more informed decision-making during critical situations. The coordinated framework ensures that operations across sectors remain aligned, particularly during periods of heightened regional tensions. This is a developing story. PIA/ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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