Two people were injured after debris fell in two parts of Abu Dhabi on Monday, with the UAE intercepting 12 ballistic missiles and 17 drones launched from Iran.
The first incident resulted in a minor injury to a Jordanian. An Egyptian suffered moderate injuries in the second incident, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.
Authorities did not disclose the locations. People in Abu Dhabi had received two safety alerts at about 7.15am and 9.55am, urging them to take shelter due to potential missile threats.
The first warning message came moments before a series of loud booms was heard across Abu Dhabi.
The public was urged to take shelter in a safe location in the message, as the UAE continues to deal with attacks launched by Iran.
The Ministry of Defence said air defence systems were "responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”.
The ministry "asserts that the sounds heard are the results of the air defence systems intercepting missiles and drones", it said in a notice on social media. “The public are requested to adhere to the safety and security instructions issued.”
A second alert was issued in Abu Dhabi at about 9.55am, with authorities giving the public the all-clear to resume normal activities within 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, authorities in Fujairah contained a fire that broke out in the early hours of Monday morning as a result of falling shrapnel following successful air defence interceptions. No injuries were reported, state news agency Wam said in a statement shared at 4.34am on Monday.
In addition to the intercepted missiles and drones another three ballistic missiles fell in the sea and one drone fell within the territory of the state, the defence ministry said on Monday.
Since the start of the Iranian attacks on the UAE, a total of 233 ballistic missiles and 1,359 drones have been intercepted and destroyed. Eight cruise missiles were also shot down.
What to do when you hear a safety alert
The public is urged to shelter in a safe place when UAE missile warning alerts are activated until the all-clear is received.
This will come in the form of a second message sent to mobile phones, advising that it is safe to resume normal activities, while still taking all necessary precautions.
People are urged to stay away from windows and avoid open spaces while such safety measures are in place. This is to minimise risk as air defence systems intercept missiles and drones, which can lead to falling debris.
What if I am driving?
The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said those driving when an alert sounds should continue to their intended destination and find a safe place there.
What not to do
UAE citizens and residents have been urged by the country's Attorney General to refrain from taking or sharing videos or photos of the Iranian attacks on the nation.
There is a risk of creating public panic and presenting a false impression of the country's situation, said Dr Hamad Al Shamsi. In some cases, he added, it could lead to prosecution.
Taking pictures while missile alert measures are in place can also pose a risk to safety, given that air defence systems are actively intercepting threats in the skies.
UAE 'in state of defence'
The UAE on Sunday declared it was in a “state of defence” in response to “brutal and unprovoked Iranian aggression”, which has included the launch of more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones towards infrastructure and civilian sites.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said the Iranian attacks – which have resulted in the deaths of four people and more than 100 injuries – were a “direct threat” to the nation's security and stability and a breach of international law. The UAE stresses that it does not seek to be drawn into conflicts or escalation, the ministry added.
