What Triggered the Attacks on the UAE
At around 12:53 p.m. on February 28, 2026, following coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Iran launched a multiday series of missile and drone airstrikes on the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s stated rationale was that the UAE hosts U.S. military assets — including Al Dhafra Air Base — and that Gulf states had permitted their territory to be used for operations against Iran. The UAE has consistently rejected this framing, reaffirming that it is not a party to this war and undertook intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent its outbreak.
What Has Actually Been Hit
As of April 9, 2026, UAE air defenses have intercepted and destroyed 537 ballistic missiles, 2,256 drones, and 26 cruise missiles. The attacks killed 13 people — including two military personnel, one civilian contractor, and 10 civilians — and injured 224 others.
Targeted sites have included:
- Energy infrastructure: the Habshan gas facility, the UAE’s largest natural gas processing site, suffered significant damage after fires broke out from interception debris.
- Commercial infrastructure: the IRGC claimed it targeted an Oracle data center in Dubai on April 2.
- Shipping: a Kuwaiti crude oil tanker at Dubai Port was struck by a drone, sparking a fire that was later extinguished.
Is This Legal Under International Law?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the attacks — totaling 2,819 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones over 40 days — constitute a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law, and underscored that Iran must be held fully accountable and liable for damages and reparations.
The UAE stressed the need for Iran’s full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned the Iranian attacks and demanded their immediate cessation.
Where Things Stand Now: The Ceasefire
On April 8, 2026, the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, under which Iran would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, the truce has been fragile. After the ceasefire took effect, the UAE Ministry of Defense announced it had intercepted and destroyed 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones originating from Iran.
By April 11, Trump announced that American forces had started “clearing” the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations are ongoing in Islamabad.
What This Means Legally for Individuals and Businesses
If you have property, contracts, employees, or ongoing operations in the UAE, the following issues require immediate legal attention:
- Force majeure clauses: An armed conflict of this scale qualifies as a force majeure event under most jurisdictions, but the exact contractual language governs whether liability is suspended and for how long.
- Insurance coverage gaps: Standard commercial policies typically exclude war risk. If your insurer is denying a claim related to infrastructure damage, missile debris, or business interruption, that denial may be legally contestable.
- Compensation for damage: The UAE has said that Iran should pay for damage caused by its Gulf attacks, with the government stating Iran must be “held accountable and fully liable for damages and reparations.” International compensation mechanisms are complex and slow — but they exist, and they require early documentation of losses.
- Arrest and detention risks: Authorities arrested individuals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for filming or sharing footage of the attacks, citing UAE cybercrime laws. Foreign nationals in the UAE should be aware of local restrictions that may not apply in their home jurisdictions.
If you or your business has been affected by the conflict in the UAE, consulting with a lawyer experienced in international conflict, insurance, and contract law is the necessary first step.