UAE: Air Defense Systems Engage 19 Projectiles Launched From Iran, Saudi Arabia Condemns Attacks on Civilian and Economic Targets

MIDDLE EAST — On May 4 the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that its air defense systems engaged 19 projectiles, including 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles and 4 UAVs launched from Iran. As a result, the UAE reported that there were “3 moderate injuries.”

Since the start of launches toward the United Arab Emirates, the air defenses have engaged a total of 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,260 UAVs.

This total brings injuries to 227 cases involving individuals of various nationalities. The ministry reported that the injuries included one civilian of Moroccan nationality contracted with the armed forces. Civilian fatalities stand at 10 from various nationalities.

The Ministry of Defense affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on May 4 condemning in the strongest terms the Iranian targeting through missiles and drones of civilian and economic facilities in the United Arab Emirates, as well as a vessel belonging to an Emirati company.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its solidarity with the UAE and called on Iran to cease attacks, comply with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and respect the principles of good neighbourliness.

UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the targeting of an empty crude oil tanker affiliated with ADNOC by drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on May 4. No crew members were injured and the vessel carried no cargo.

The ministry described the action as a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and stated that targeting commercial shipping constitutes a direct threat to regional stability.

• United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense, 4 May 2026: “The Ministry of Defence announced that on 4 May 2026, the UAE air defence systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 UAV’s launched from Iran, resulting in 3 moderate injuries. Since the beginning of the blatant Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates, the air defences have engaged a total of 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,260 UAV’s. This brings the total number of injuries to 227, involving individuals of various nationalities. The total number of martyrs has reached 3, including one civilian of Moroccan nationality contracted with the armed forces, while the total number of civilian fatalities stands at 10 from various nationalities. The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.”

• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 4 May 2026: The Kingdom condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian targeting through missiles and drones of civilian and economic facilities in the United Arab Emirates, as well as a vessel belonging to an Emirati company. The Kingdom affirmed its solidarity with the UAE and called on Iran to cease attacks, comply with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and respect the principles of good neighbourliness.