UAE authorities have issued an emergency safety alert to residents across the country this Eid Sunday morning after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. The alert was sent to mobile phones nationwide through the government’s cell broadcast emergency system, urging all residents to move to a safe place immediately and stay away from windows and open spaces.
This is a developing story. InsideDubaiNow will update this article as official information becomes available. Do not rely on social media for information β follow only official UAE government channels.
What the Official Alert Says
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority posted on X at approximately 6:50am on Sunday March 22: “Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.”
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed in a separate statement on its official channels that air defence forces are currently dealing with incoming missile and drone attacks originating from Iran. The ministry assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard civilian lives and critical infrastructure and that the situation is being closely monitored.
A follow-up message was issued at approximately 7:15am by the Ministry of Interior confirming that the situation in the UAE is now safe and that normal activities can be resumed. Residents are urged to remain alert and continue following official channels for any further updates as the situation is being monitored.
What the Loud Sounds Are
If you heard loud bangs or booming sounds this morning those sounds are not missiles striking the ground. They are the sound of UAE air defence systems successfully intercepting incoming projectiles at altitude. The detonation of missiles and drones being destroyed by interceptors creates shockwaves that travel for miles and can sound alarming to residents on the ground. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that the sounds heard across the city were caused by successful interceptions and not by missiles reaching their targets.
What You Must Do Right Now
If you receive an official alert on your phone move to the nearest secure building immediately. Do not stay outdoors, on a balcony or near windows. Move to an interior room away from glass. If you are driving do not stop your vehicle on the road β continue to your destination safely and seek shelter on arrival. Call 999 only for genuine emergencies to keep emergency lines available for critical cases.
Do not film what you see outside. Do not post videos or images on social media. UAE cybercrime law carries penalties of up to two years in prison and fines up to AED 200,000 for sharing or filming content related to the attacks. Read our full warning on what UAE residents cannot do under cybercrime law.
The Night Warning Sound Change
UAE authorities changed the missile warning sound system earlier this month. Between 9am and 10:30pm the system sends a loud high tone to alert of an incoming threat, followed by a standard tone to signal the threat has been dealt with. Between 10:30pm and 9am overnight a standard text message tone is used for both alerts and all-clear signals so as not to cause unnecessary panic during sleeping hours. The system operates through cell broadcast technology which sends the message through mobile network towers to all phones in range regardless of whether they are connected to the network with a local SIM.
Context β 22 Days of Attacks
Today’s alert is the latest in a pattern of daily Iranian missile and drone attacks that have been targeting the UAE since February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran. Since the conflict began Iran has fired more than 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 drones at targets in the Emirates. The UAE’s air defence systems have intercepted the vast majority of them. Eight people have been killed and 157 have been injured since the attacks began β a remarkably low toll given the volume of projectiles being fired.
Today’s incident comes as the region is also monitoring a critical 48-hour deadline issued by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to strike Iranian power plants if Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday evening. Read our full coverage of Trump’s ultimatum to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Official Safety Rules β Read and Follow
These are the official rules from UAE authorities for all residents during active alerts:
- Remain in a safe indoor location until the threat is resolved
- Stay away from windows, doors and open areas
- Follow official channels only for real-time warnings and instructions
- Do not spread unverified information that could cause public panic
- Do not film or post content related to attacks β this is a criminal offence
- Motorists should continue driving safely to their destination and seek shelter on arrival
- Call 999 only for genuine emergencies
- Wait for the official all-clear message before resuming normal activities
Official Channels to Follow
For the latest official updates follow these channels only:
- UAE Ministry of Defence: @modgovae on X
- NCEMA UAE: @NCEMAUAE on X
- Dubai Media Office: @DXBMediaOffice on X
- Abu Dhabi Media Office: @admediaoffice on X
- UAE Ministry of Interior: @MOIuae on X
InsideDubaiNow is monitoring official channels continuously and will update this article as the situation develops. Stay safe everyone. π¦πͺ
Follow us on Instagram, X, TikTok and our WhatsApp Channel for live updates as this story develops.
