UAE asserts sovereignty while maintaining stability

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates declared that essential services, financial systems and aviation operations remain functioning across the country, even as regional tensions intensified, during a national media briefing on March 3 addressing developments over the previous four days.

Officials emphasised that the country’s institutions remain fully operational and that measures are in place to safeguard citizens, residents and visitors while preserving economic and social stability. Representatives from several key ministries and national agencies participated in the briefing in Abu Dhabi, presenting a coordinated government response to the evolving security environment.

The briefing outlined the scale of attacks faced by the federation during the current escalation across the Gulf. Defence officials said air defence systems had detected and responded to 186 ballistic missiles and more than 800 drones launched towards the country since hostilities began. The majority were intercepted by integrated defence systems covering long-, medium- and short-range threats, with only a limited number reaching the ground. The attacks resulted in three fatalities and dozens of minor injuries, along with restricted damage to civilian facilities.

Brigadier Staff Pilot Abdulnasir Alhameedi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said the Armed Forces remain at the highest levels of readiness and possess the operational capacity to sustain defensive operations for extended periods. He explained that multi-layered air defence networks and nationally developed defence technologies provide comprehensive protection of national airspace, supported by sufficient reserves of interceptors and other munitions.

Government officials framed the developments as direct attacks on national sovereignty amid broader regional escalation. They reiterated that the country will not accept any violation of its territorial integrity and retains the right to respond in accordance with international law.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, addressed the diplomatic dimension of the crisis during the briefing. She stated that the attacks occurred despite repeated assurances that the federation would not permit its territory, waters or airspace to be used for military action against Tehran. According to Al Hashimy, those assurances reflected a long-standing policy of maintaining good neighbourly relations and avoiding escalation.

She described the strikes as part of a wider wave of attacks across the Gulf region, affecting several neighbouring states and highlighting the interconnected nature of regional security. At the same time, she stressed that the government continues to pursue a measured approach grounded in restraint and dialogue while safeguarding national interests.

“The attacks took place without regard for the UAE’s clear and repeatedly affirmed position,” she said, adding that the country remains committed to diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts. Nevertheless, she reaffirmed the federation’s legitimate right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Officials also sought to reassure residents and investors that the country’s economic infrastructure remains resilient. Representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and other agencies stated that financial markets, logistics systems and supply chains continue to function without disruption.

Authorities confirmed that airports and aviation operations are being managed under enhanced safety procedures while maintaining scheduled connectivity where possible. National carriers and airport authorities are coordinating with international aviation regulators to ensure passenger safety and maintain operational continuity.

The government highlighted the resilience of national infrastructure and the preparedness of emergency and civil defence institutions. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority outlined how monitoring systems, early warning networks and emergency response teams were mobilised to manage incidents resulting from falling debris and interception operations.

Officials emphasised that most recorded impacts were linked to interception fragments rather than direct hits on civilian structures. Emergency services responded to isolated incidents in residential and commercial districts, extinguishing fires and clearing debris.

The government also addressed the broader geopolitical environment driving the escalation. Iranian missile and drone strikes have targeted several Gulf states following large-scale military operations against Tehran by the United States and Israel, triggering fears of a widening regional conflict. Analysts say the attacks have placed strategic infrastructure and urban centres across the Gulf within range of advanced missile systems and long-range drones.

Despite the security environment, authorities stressed that daily life across the federation continues with minimal disruption. Public services, utilities and digital infrastructure remain operational, and government agencies have intensified coordination to ensure continuity of governance.