The United Arab Emirates has been targeted by more than 2,800 Iranian missile and drone strikes since the outbreak of regional hostilities on February 28, 2026, according to official government statements released on April 20. Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, confirmed the figures during a high-level briefing, noting that the volume of attacks is now approaching the 3,000 mark. The strikes have utilized a combination of Shahed-class drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles launched from both Iranian territory and maritime positions in the Persian Gulf.
Data provided by the UAE Ministry of Defence indicates that over 90 percent of the strikes have targeted civilian and industrial infrastructure rather than military installations. Significant damage has been reported at critical energy and manufacturing hubs, including the Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi and the Ruwais Industrial City petrochemical plant. On March 28, a direct hit on the Emirates Global Aluminium plant at Al Taweelah forced a total operational shutdown, with repairs estimated to take up to one year. Other affected sites include the Khor Fakkan port and infrastructure near Dubai International Airport, where falling debris from interceptions has caused localized fires and structural damage.
The escalation against the UAE is tied to its status as a primary strategic ally of the United States in the region. The country hosts a significant U.S. military presence, most notably at Al Dhafra Air Base, which has been a frequent target of Iranian aerospace forces. Tehran has justified the strikes as a response to the coordinated U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure that began in late February. Iranian officials have stated that any nation hosting U.S. forces used for operations against Iran is considered a legitimate target. Furthermore, Tehran has recently demanded $270 billion in reparations from Gulf neighbors, including the UAE, for their alleged involvement in the conflict.
The sustained bombardment has prompted the UAE to seek unprecedented financial guarantees from Washington. Reports on April 20 indicate that UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama has entered discussions with the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department regarding a currency swap line and a financial backstop. The request aims to protect the UAE’s position as a global financial hub against potential capital flight and the depletion of foreign currency reserves caused by the disruption of oil exports and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
As of April 20, a fragile ceasefire that began on April 8 remains in place but is scheduled to expire at 0000 GMT on April 22. While large-scale strikes have subsided during the truce, the UAE remains on high military alert. Diplomatic efforts are currently focused on a second round of negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, where U.S. and Iranian envoys are expected to discuss the future of the regional blockade and the potential for a permanent cessation of hostilities.