Dubai Authorities Urge Against Stockpiling Amid War As UAE Intercepts Drones, Missiles From Iran

Last Updated:March 08, 2026, 17:49 IST

The UAE urges citizens not to stockpile as it launches its first attack on Iran, intercepting missiles and UAVs. Minister Al Marri assures product availability.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has urged its citizens not to stockpile to ensure products are available at fair prices. This comes As the UAE on Sunday launched its first retaliatory attack on Iran and intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 113 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The United Arab Emirates government has urged its citizens not to stockpile to ensure products are available at fair prices. This comes As the UAE on Sunday reportedly launched its first retaliatory attack on Iran and intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 113 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

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Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism said, “Goods from around the world are available in large quantities to meet everyday consumer needs. We urge the public not to stockpile and confirm products are accessible in all markets at fair prices."

According to a report by DowJones, the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran will likely place renewed strain on global food supply chains partly because of the knock-on impacts of Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure, which include increasing the cost of transporting and distributing food.

UAE Intercepts Ballistic Missiles

The Ministry of Defence shared a post on X, saying: “UAE air defences today (8th March, 2026) detected 17 ballistic missiles, of which 16 were destroyed, while 1 missile fell into the sea. A total of 117 UAVs were also detected, with 113 intercepted, while 4 UAVs fell within the country’s territory."

It stated that 238 ballistic missiles have been detected since the beginning of the Iranian attacks. “Of these, 221 were destroyed, 15 fell into the sea and 2 landed within the country."

Also Read: UAE Strikes Iran Desalination Plant, Becomes First Gulf Nation To Join US-Israel Offensive: Report

The ministry said 1,422 Iranian UAVs have been detected, of which 1,342 were intercepted, while 80 fell within the country’s territory, and eight cruise missiles were destroyed.

“These attacks resulted in four deaths among Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 112 people sustained moderate to minor injuries. The injured include nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros and Türkiye," the ministry said.

Also Read: ‘We Are No Easy Prey’: UAE President Vows To Defend Country In First Remarks After Iran Strikes

The defence ministry said it is prepared to deal with any threats and “will respond firmly to any attempts to undermine the country’s security, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguarding its national interests and capabilities".

This comes a day after UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said his country was well in a time of war and told his enemies that it was no easy prey.

“The UAE is attractive, but don’t be misled by the UAE’s appearance. The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are no easy prey," he said while visiting five civilians injured by the Iranian strikes in the hospital.

UAE Launches Retaliatory Attack On Iran’s Desalination Facility

The UAE is believed to have launched its first retaliatory attack on Iran on Sunday, hitting a desalination facility, according to reports. The UAE had long been contemplating a response to waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks.

A source familiar with the matter told the Jerusalem Post that the UAE struck a desalination plant, which is used to remove salt and other minerals from seawater or salty groundwater to produce fresh drinking water, in its first retaliatory strike on Iran.

Israeli outlet Ynet also reported that the UAE strike would represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict by bringing another Gulf state directly into military operations against Iran.

A Wall Street Journal report from Friday said that the UAE is considering freezing billions of dollars’ worth of assets belonging to Iran, a move which would cripple the country’s connection to the global economy.

News world Dubai Authorities Urge Against Stockpiling Amid War As UAE Intercepts Drones, Missiles From Iran

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