The Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) advised the population to immediately seek shelter in the nearest protected building in response to missile threats stemming from the current situation.
This alert is the first of its kind since a false alarm issued in July, with the last effective alert having occurred in June. The Ministry of Defence confirmed detecting a missile threat directed at the country.
This measure is being taken during a period of high tension in the Gulf region, where the UAE has already suffered attacks with missiles and drones attributed to the Iranian regime since the escalation of the regional conflict.
Previously, UAE air defenses intercepted several projectiles launched by Iran, and emergency alerts have been sounded on past occasions. Gulf countries have intensified their security measures in response to the increase in Iranian attacks, which have also affected or threatened other nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The Emirates use their air defense systems to intercept missiles before they reach the territory, in a scenario of growing apprehension about a possible escalation of hostilities.
Since June, Iran and the United States have sought to cease the war initiated by the Israeli-American military offensive, launched on February 28 against the Islamic Republic. Tehran responded by blockading the Strait of Hormuz and attacking US bases and other interests in the area, which expanded the climate of conflict across much of the Middle East.
The recent increase in confrontations between the United States and Iran in recent weeks led to the failure of the memorandum of understanding that was being negotiated in June, with the mediation of Pakistan.