The United Arab Emirates has intercepted hundreds of incoming projectiles in what officials described as an extraordinary security situation, while assuring residents that daily life remains protected under a robust defence framework.
In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy addressed public anxiety following nights marked by loud aerial blasts — sounds rarely heard in the country. Defence authorities reported that since the start of the Iranian offensive, Emirati forces have neutralised 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones, reflecting the breadth of the assault and the intensity of air defence operations.
“I know it’s a scary time for a lot of the residents. We don’t hear these types of loud sounds, but at the same time, those are sounds of interception and where there has been damage, that has been primarily debris,” Al Hashimy said.
She underscored that the country’s protective systems remain fully operational. “I do think it is important we reaffirm to the people of the UAE, both expatriates but also nationals alike, that we have one of the best air-to-missile defence systems in the world and that we are doing everything to ensure that we continue to be safe and secure.”
Addressing concerns about possible escalation, the minister offered reassurance to citizens and expatriates alike. “Really to emphasise that you are safe with a leadership that cares for you and that will do everything they possibly can to ensure that that safety continues.”
Al Hashimy also paid tribute to security personnel and emergency responders working behind the scenes. “I want to highlight again, Becky, that we need to salute our defence forces, law enforcement, all of the civil defence teams and police forces that, really, it’s just been quite loud and there’s been some debris at different places. But otherwise, we’ve been quite safe in comparison to some other very, very horrible war zones.”
She described the attacks as “very unjustifiable and very unlawful,” arguing that they extended beyond Emirati territory and affected other Gulf states and regional partners. “That is something that we do not accept,” she said. “We have one of the best defence systems in the world, and we are confident that we will be able to continue to support our infrastructure and protect the people who live here.”
The minister noted that recent weeks had involved diplomatic outreach aimed at reducing tensions, but said the current wave of strikes marked a significant escalation. “This is something we’ve tried to avoid in the last couple of weeks and months, as we had encouraged dialogue and deescalation. Unfortunately, we’re at a situation right now where Iran has, through very unjustifiable and very unlawful measures, taken attacks not just to the UAE, but also to the rest of the Gulf and beyond.”
Asked about the UAE’s right to respond, she described developments as evolving rapidly. “But rest assured to the people of this country that we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that we do defend ourselves and we are prepared for that,” she said.
“We hope it doesn’t come to it. But by the same token, we’re not going to sit idly by as we continue to be recipients of such a barrage of attacks that are unlawful and unjustified as well.”
At the same time, Al Hashimy maintained that diplomatic engagement remains open. “The door for diplomacy never closes. We continue to engage because we continue to want to deescalate and we want to find other ways, other security arrangements that are helpful for this larger region,” she said.
She also acknowledged the geographic and environmental ties linking the two countries. “Iran is a neighbour to us, will always be a neighbour to us geographically, but also we share a lot of similar ecosystems in a very close and tight-knit region.”
