One Killed in Abu Dhabi

Iran fired ballistic missiles at multiple Gulf Arab states on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in retaliation for joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership and military sites, killing one person in Abu Dhabi and prompting widespread air defense activations, airspace closures and emergency alerts across the region.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence confirmed the country was subjected to a “blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” with air defense systems intercepting several projectiles with high efficiency. Debris from the interceptions fell in residential areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohammed bin Zayed City and Al Falah, causing material damage and resulting in the death of one civilian of Asian nationality, according to state news agency WAM and the ministry’s statement. No additional injuries were reported in the second wave of missiles, which UAE defenses also neutralized without casualties.

The fatality marked the first confirmed civilian death on Gulf soil from the escalating conflict, which began earlier Saturday with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior figures in Tehran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the retaliatory launches, stating they targeted U.S. military assets across the region and vowed operations would continue “until the enemies are defeated.”

Multiple countries reported incoming threats. Bahrain confirmed missiles struck near the U.S. Naval Support Activity in Juffair, Manama, with thick smoke rising and residents evacuated from nearby areas. Qatar intercepted at least one projectile, with explosions reported in Doha. Kuwait and Jordan also activated defenses against Iranian missiles, while Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh experienced blasts amid heightened alerts. Explosions echoed in Dubai, leading to a full suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport and disruptions at other regional hubs.

The UAE strongly condemned the attacks as a “dangerous escalation” and “cowardly act” threatening civilian safety and regional stability. The Ministry of Defence affirmed the nation’s categorical rejection of targeting civilian objects and reserved its full right to respond. Authorities issued emergency text alerts urging residents to shelter in place, avoid military sites and monitor official channels.

The strikes extended the conflict beyond Iran and Israel, drawing in Gulf states that host significant U.S. military presence, including Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi and facilities in Bahrain and Qatar. Analysts described the Iranian response as unprecedented in scope, targeting American allies to deter further involvement and signal resolve amid regime threats from Washington and Jerusalem.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in earlier statements, confirmed “major combat operations” against Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, urging Iranians to overthrow their government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the initial strikes as pre-emptive to eliminate existential threats. Both nations indicated multi-day operations, with sources suggesting additional waves possible.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry denounced the U.S.-Israeli aggression as violations of sovereignty, accusing the attackers of striking defense infrastructure and civilian areas during ongoing negotiations. Tehran reported dozens killed in its territory, including claims of civilian deaths at an elementary school, though independent verification remained limited due to blackouts and restricted access.

Regional airspace closures compounded the chaos. Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, British Airways and IndiGo suspended or diverted flights to and from the Middle East. The former Iranian crown prince, in exile, called for nationwide protests, labeling the moment a “destiny” for regime change.

Oil prices surged more than 15% on fears of disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, with global markets opening lower and defense stocks rising. Humanitarian organizations prepared for potential mass casualties, while the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session. Russia and China condemned the initial strikes as “illegal aggression,” urging de-escalation.

Eyewitness accounts from Abu Dhabi described loud explosions, smoke plumes and sirens as residents sought shelter. Video footage shared on social media showed dark clouds over the capital following interceptions. The UAE emphasized stability, with authorities monitoring developments around the clock.

The attacks underscored the rapid spread of the conflict, transforming a bilateral U.S.-Israeli operation into a multi-front crisis involving Gulf monarchies. Diplomats warned of risks to global energy supplies and broader instability if retaliation cycles continued.

As sirens persisted in parts of the region and defenses remained active, the Gulf’s relative safety — long a hallmark amid Middle East turmoil — faced its most severe test in years.