UAE death toll rises to 10 amid ongoing regional conflict

DUBAI: The death toll in the United Arab Emirates has risen to 10, including foreign nationals, with more than 200 people injured since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, as falling debris from intercepted Iranian missiles and drones continues to strike civilian and industrial areas.

Among the deceased are four Pakistan nationals, underscoring the impact on expatriate communities in the Gulf state.

In the latest incident, debris from intercepted aerial threats sparked fires at the Habshan gas processing plant, a major energy installation located in south-west Abu Dhabi.

An Egyptian national was killed during an evacuation operation, while four others — including two Pakistanis — sustained minor injuries, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Authorities said operations at the plant have been suspended as damage assessments continue.

In a separate incident in Ajban, approximately 80 kilometres north-east of Abu Dhabi city, debris from intercepted projectiles injured 12 people. The injured included nationals from Nepal and India, with one person reported in serious condition while others suffered minor to moderate injuries.

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The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones launched from Iran over the past 24 hours.

While interceptions have helped prevent larger-scale destruction, officials warned that falling debris continues to pose serious risks to populated and industrial areas.

Authorities added that missile and drone attacks have been occurring almost daily since the conflict began, placing increasing strain on emergency response systems and critical infrastructure across the country.