DUBAI: The UAE Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that the country’s air defences detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country, with the first falling outside the country’s territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that it is on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, and to firmly confront anything aimed at undermining the security of the state, thereby ensuring the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protecting its interests and national capabilities.
The defence ministry also urged the public to obtain all news from official sources in the country and to avoid rumours and false information.
Air Forces Detected Two Missiles Headed Toward the Country; Both Fell Into the Sea
The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE's air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards the country. The first fell outside the country's territorial… pic.twitter.com/medXz9VoXy
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) August 18, 2026
“Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building,” the interior ministry said in the phone alert, which was lifted shortly after.
The Ministry of Defence and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said unusual sounds heard in some areas were caused by air defence systems intercepting the threat.
A mobile alert sent to phones across the UAE confirmed that the situation was safe and thanked residents for their cooperation during the emergency.
Dubai authorities also said unusual sounds heard across the city were linked to the interceptions.
It was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. Before that, the last missile warning came in early May.
While the UAE was targeted by Iran after the war broke out in late February, Tehran had ceased its strikes following the ceasefire and the signing of the Islamabad MoU framework deal to end the war in mid-June.
After the hostilities between Washington and Tehran resumed following the deal’s collapse, Iran has targeted a number of neighbouring countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
