Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates Government held an extensive media briefing yesterday to provide updates on the current situation and the recent Iranian attacks, with participation from representatives of the Ministries of Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Economy and Tourism, and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Ministry of Defence confirmed during the briefing that the country remains at the highest level of readiness and possesses advanced multi-layer air defence systems capable of efficiently countering various aerial threats. The Ministry's official spokesperson stated that air defences have dealt with 186 ballistic missiles, destroying 172, and intercepted 755 drones out of 812, in addition to destroying eight cruise missiles. The Ministry emphasised that the Armed Forces continue to monitor developments around the clock and retain the full right to take necessary measures to repel any aggression.
On her part, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed that the people of the UAE enjoy security and that the defence system is operating at high efficiency. She noted that the UAE has been subjected to a series of blatant Iranian attacks as part of an unprecedented regional escalation and confirmed that firm diplomatic steps have been taken, including closing the embassy in Tehran and withdrawing the diplomatic mission. She reiterated that the security of Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and that any violation of the sovereignty of a Gulf state constitutes a threat to regional security.
Regarding the economic aspect, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, confirmed the resilience of the national economy and its ability to absorb geopolitical pressures, noting that strategic reserves of essential goods cover the country's needs for four to six months.
He also stated that air travel has gradually resumed, with flights arranged to transport affected passengers, and that the UAE covers accommodation and subsistence costs for stranded travellers due to exceptional circumstances.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the security situation is stable across the country, with field readiness levels raised and security deployment enhanced to ensure rapid response. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority stated that daily life continues normally, business continuity plans in vital sectors are active, and education continues through distance learning systems.
The briefing concluded by praising the awareness and unity of the UAE community and stressing the importance of obtaining information from official sources, avoiding rumours, and following instructions issued by the competent authorities to ensure everyone's safety.