The UAE government has reaffirmed the continuity of critical services, financial stability and aviation operations during an official national media briefing on March 3 addressing the current regional situation.
Covering developments over the past four days, officials framed the circumstances as direct attacks amid ongoing regional escalation, underscoring that the UAE will not accept any infringement of its sovereignty and reserves the right to self-defence.
Security posture: highest readiness
Authorities reported that 186 ballistic missiles were detected, with 172 destroyed, 13 falling into the sea and one landing. A total of 812 drones were detected, with 755 intercepted and 57 falling inside the country. Eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed. The overall intercept rate was reported at over 93 per cent.
Officials emphasised that the country is operating under the “highest readiness” posture, supported by a multi-layer integrated air defence system covering long-, medium- and short-range threats, alongside strategic ammunition reserves.
Damage and injuries were described as largely resulting from shrapnel and debris from interceptions rather than successful direct strikes.
Internal security and emergency coordination
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the national security situation remains stable, supported by coordination with more than 25 national entities. Over 3,200 specialised vehicles and 4,200 patrols and units have been deployed as part of expanded precautionary measures.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) reiterated that essential services — including energy, water, telecommunications, transport, healthcare and goods distribution — are operating normally.
Distance learning has been activated where required, and a 24/7 joint national media cell continues to issue public guidance via official channels.
Economy and markets: supply chains intact
From an economic perspective, officials stressed that markets are being “monitored tightly” and that food and essential goods remain protected.
The UAE holds between four and six months of strategic stock for essential goods, with import flows continuing without signals of supply chain disruption.
A digital price-monitoring platform connected to 627 major retail outlets is tracking pricing in real time, while 420 inspection tours and field visits have been conducted in recent days and over the past month. Authorities confirmed enforcement action against unjustified price increases, hoarding and fraud. Consumers have been urged to report concerns via 8012222.
Aviation and tourism operations
In aviation, emergency flight corridors have been coordinated with neighbouring countries, GCC partners and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Current airspace capacity stands at 48 flights per hour, with gradual increases based on safety assessments.
Under Phase 1, which began on 1 March 2026, 17,498 passengers returned on 60 flights. The next phase will see more than 80 flights per day, with capacity exceeding 27,000 passengers.
The state confirmed it will cover accommodation and meals for stranded travellers. Passengers have been instructed not to proceed to airports without confirmation from airlines.
The tourism sector continues to operate, with coordination underway across more than 1,260 hotels and over 40,000 tourism companies nationwide.
Read: LIVE UPDATES: Emirates suspends all Dubai flights amid airspace closures
Business continuity message
The overarching message from the briefing was that daily life continues, critical services remain operational, and national business continuity plans are active.
Authorities reiterated that updates should be verified only through official channels, including NCEMA, the Ministry of Interior, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Government Media Office and airline communications
