Four residents have been killed and more than 100 others injured in the United Arab Emirates since February 28 after missile and drone attacks linked to Iran sent debris falling across several areas of the country, authorities said.
Officials say the incidents highlight the growing risk to civilians from aerial warfare, even in countries that are not directly participating in the conflict.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that the UAE has not permitted the use of its territory, territorial waters or airspace for any attack against Iran. Despite that stance, missile interceptions and falling debris have caused casualties and damage in multiple locations.
The government has also reiterated that the country remains outside the conflict, even as its cities and infrastructure have been exposed to the dangers of aerial attacks in the wider region.
The casualties underscore the UAE’s diverse population, where more than 200 nationalities live and work. Among those killed were expatriate workers from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh who had moved to the country to support families back home.
First fatality reported in Abu Dhabi
The first confirmed fatality occurred on February 28 in Abu Dhabi, where Pakistani national Mureed Zaman lost his life.
According to the newspaper Dawn, Zaman was originally from the Bannu district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He had lived in the UAE for nearly eight years.
During that time he worked in labour and driving jobs to support relatives in Pakistan. Friends said he had spent years sending money home to provide stability for his family.
UAE authorities expressed condolences to Zaman’s family, condemning attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure as violations of legal and humanitarian standards.
Bangladeshi delivery worker killed in Ajman
Another victim was identified as 55-year-old Bangladeshi resident Saleh Ahmed, who was killed the same day in Ajman.
According to Sky News, Ahmed was delivering drinking water when missile debris struck him during the aerial attacks. His son Abdul Haque told media that Ahmed had been the sole breadwinner for the family.
Ahmed had spent 25 years working in the UAE. The money he sent home had recently allowed his family in Bangladesh to begin building a house. Relatives described him as a hardworking man whose long years abroad were dedicated entirely to supporting his children and extended family.
Nepali security guard killed near airport
A third fatality occurred on March 1 after debris from a drone interception fell near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Authorities said the incident also left seven people injured. Airport operator Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed emergency teams responded quickly to secure the area.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was shocked and saddened by the death of one of its citizens. The victim was later identified by The Kathmandu Post as Dibas Shrestha, a 29-year-old security guard who had moved to the UAE roughly a year and a half earlier.
Family members said Shrestha had recently spoken with them during a video call and planned to return home within a few months. Relatives described him as cheerful and friendly.
Pakistani driver killed in Dubai
The most recent fatality occurred on March 7 in Dubai, when debris from an aerial interception struck a vehicle in the Al Barsha district. According to the Dubai Media Office, the falling debris resulted in the death of a Pakistani driver.
The Pakistan Embassy later confirmed that one of its nationals had died in the incident. Diplomatic officials said the Pakistani Consulate General in Dubai is coordinating with local authorities to assist the victim’s family and arrange the repatriation of his remains.
Hundreds of missiles and drones intercepted
Authorities say the incidents occurred during a broader wave of aerial attacks involving hundreds of ballistic missiles and nearly 1,500 drones. Most of the projectiles were intercepted by the UAE’s advanced air defence systems before reaching populated areas.
However, debris from interceptions or missiles that reached the ground still caused injuries and fatalities, demonstrating the persistent danger posed to civilians. Despite the casualties, officials said emergency services and defence systems have prevented far greater loss of life.
Civilian toll of regional conflict
The deaths have renewed discussion about the risks facing expatriate workers who form the backbone of the UAE’s workforce. Many migrants spend years abroad performing labour, transport or security jobs while supporting families in their home countries.
For the families of the victims, the attacks have turned routine workdays into tragedies. Authorities say they will continue monitoring the security situation closely while reinforcing air defence measures to protect residents and infrastructure across the country.