Ugandans living and working in the United Arab Emirates are among dozens of foreign residents injured after Iranian missiles and drones struck parts of the Gulf state, the UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
In an official update, the ministry said the UAE Air Force and Air Defence Command detected and responded to a large-scale aerial assault beginning on 28 February 2026, involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the figures released, 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones were launched toward the UAE. Air defence systems intercepted the vast majority, but debris and a number of drones still fell inside the country, damaging civilian property and causing casualties.
Day-Two Interceptions and Civilian Impact
On the second day of the attack, air defences intercepted 20 ballistic missiles, while eight fell into the sea. Two cruise missiles and 311 drones were also destroyed, although 21 drones managed to strike civilian locations across parts of the UAE.
Overall, the ministry said 152 of the 165 ballistic missiles were successfully destroyed, with the remaining 13 landing in sea waters. Both cruise missiles were intercepted.
Officials said falling debris from destroyed projectiles landed in multiple areas, causing minor to moderate damage to residential buildings, vehicles and infrastructure.
Ugandans Among Injured Foreign Workers
Authorities confirmed three fatalities involving residents of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationality.
A total of 58 people sustained minor injuries, including Ugandans working in the UAE alongside Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationals.
While no Ugandan deaths were reported, officials said several injured foreign workers were treated at medical facilities and later discharged.
The UAE hosts thousands of Ugandan migrant workers employed mainly in hospitality, domestic work, aviation support services and construction.
UAE Declares Full Readiness
The Ministry of Defence stressed that the armed forces remain on full operational alert amid heightened regional tensions, stating that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains the country’s top priority.
“Air defence systems continue to operate at the highest level of readiness to counter any threats to the UAE’s territory,” the ministry said.
Authorities urged the public to rely only on official information and avoid spreading rumours during the ongoing security situation.
The attack marks one of the most significant direct aerial threats faced by the UAE in recent years and underscores growing instability across parts of the Middle East.
