UAE Air Defences Intercept Missiles; Cyber and Information Security Guidance Amplified

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — 28 February 2026: The United Arab Emirates activated its air defence systems today to intercept multiple waves of missiles and drone threats launched toward the country, official sources confirmed. Alongside physical defence measures, federal authorities intensified guidance on verified information channels and digital vigilance, underscoring the importance of combating misinformation and protecting public trust.

UAE air defences successfully engaged threats over Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the wake of broader regional military developments. The Ministry of Defence affirmed that layered detection systems and response mechanisms dealt with the incoming threats efficiently, neutralising them before they reached populated areas. At the same time, national cybersecurity authorities emphasised the role of discipline in information sharing to counter disinformation in the digital ecosystem. (Dubai Eye 103.8)

UAE Air Defences Intercept Operations and Public Safety

Air defence units registered several successive waves of ballistic and aerial threats today, deploying radar-guided and integrated object classification systems to identify, track, and intercept hostile projectiles. These operations were conducted as part of the UAE’s comprehensive national security posture. (Khaleej Times)

Debris from some intercepted projectiles fell in residential districts of Abu Dhabi, resulting in material damage. A civilian of Asian nationality was reported killed by falling fragments, prompting official condolences from the authorities. (Khaleej Times)

Responding agencies including the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) provided safety advisories urging residents and visitors to avoid suspicious objects and to allow trained response teams to handle potential hazards. (Gulf News)

Official Statements on Security, Information Integrity, and Cyber Resilience

In its public statements, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence called the missile launches a violation of national sovereignty and international norms, affirming the country’s right to protect its territory and people. Authorities confirmed that the overall security situation remains stable and continuously monitored. (Dubai Eye 103.8)

NCEMA reiterated that the public should obtain updates only through verified sources such as official government platforms and established media outlets. The authority noted that social media and messaging groups have been fertile ground for inaccurate and misleading posts about the situation, highlighting how false narratives can spread rapidly in periods of heightened security alert. (Khaleej Times)

National cybersecurity leadership has also underscored the risks of digital misinformation campaigns. Prior to these events, UAE cyber officials warned that sophisticated AI-enabled disinformation activity and deepfake content are being used to erode public trust and hamper effective crisis communication. These concerns are part of a broader national cybersecurity strategy designed to counter digital threats to public discourse and institutional credibility. (The National)

Countering Misinformation in Real Time

Following the intercept operations, numerous unverified videos, outdated clips, and social media claims circulated widely, in many cases disconnected from verified developments on the ground. Digital forensics experts emphasise that such content often lacks contextual markers and is prone to misattribution. (Dubai Eye 103.8)

Cyber Warriors Middle East encourages individuals to prioritise official channels—including government portals and authoritative news agencies—for real-time updates. Trusted cybersecurity frameworks recommend skepticism toward forwarded media that lacks timestamps, source attribution, or confirmation from official entities. (The National)

The UAE Government Portal (https://u.ae) and the NCEMA official website (https://ncema.gov.ae) are primary sources for verified advisories, safety instructions, and emergency procedures. These platforms implement strict content controls to preserve accuracy, which enhances reliability during crisis events.

Maintaining Continuity and Digital Stability

Despite heightened alert levels, essential services including transportation, communications, and digital infrastructure have continued functioning with minimal disruption. Aviation authorities coordinated temporary airspace measures with international airline partners to ensure safety and continuity for travellers. (Dubai Eye 103.8)

In parallel, national cybersecurity operations centres remain active across critical infrastructure sectors, monitoring for potential network threats, suspicious traffic patterns, or malign influence campaigns that could exploit public anxiety. This holistic approach to national resilience underscores the intersection between physical defence and digital security.

Public Guidance on Information Security and Conduct

In addition to established safety guidelines, authorities have issued public advisories stressing digital discipline. Residents are encouraged to:

• Verify information against official sources before sharing or posting online.
• Refrain from amplifying unverified claims or speculative content.
• Report suspicious digital content that may constitute misinformation or manipulation.

These measures support broader national efforts to maintain trust, reduce panic, and uphold the integrity of public information flows.

As the situation continues to evolve, UAE authorities reaffirm their commitment to security, social stability, and responsible public communication. (Dubai Eye 103.8)