UAE confirms one Nigerian injured as it intercepts new wave of Iranian missiles
A Nigerian national is among the injured as the United Arab Emirates continues to absorb an unprecedented wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks; the largest sustained assault on Gulf soil since the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel erupted on February 28.
UAE authorities confirmed 122 injuries ranging from minor to moderate among individuals of multiple nationalities, including Nigerian. The confirmation places Nigerians, estimated to number over 200,000 residents across the Emirates, directly inside the blast radius of a war that many in Lagos and Abuja have watched from a distance.
The crisis began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against military and government sites in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded within hours, launching what it named Operation True Promise IV, a barrage of ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles directed at US military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf.
As of March 3, Iran had fired 174 ballistic missiles at the UAE, with 161 intercepted and 13 falling into the sea. The attacks killed six people and injured 122 others.
A fire broke out at the Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi, home to the country’s largest oil refinery, forcing Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to shut down a facility that would otherwise produce 922,000 barrels of oil per day. Debris from interceptions caused damage across Dubai, including areas around Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab hotel.
What this means for Nigerians in the UAE
The Nigerian community in the UAE is one of the largest African diasporas in the Gulf, concentrated in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, spanning professionals, traders, students, and entrepreneurs. Many are currently sheltering in place.
UAE authorities have urged the public to shelter in a safe location when missile warning alerts are activated, stay away from windows, and avoid open spaces while air defence systems are actively intercepting threats — as falling debris poses a direct risk even from successful interceptions.
UAE citizens and residents have also been warned by the country’s Attorney General to refrain from taking or sharing videos or photos of the attacks, with some cases potentially leading to prosecution.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued a formal advisory to citizens in the UAE as of the time of this report.
Iran has forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacked energy facilities, disrupting global oil and gas shipments — a development with direct consequences for Nigeria’s own oil revenues and fuel import costs.
The UAE has declared itself in a “state of defence” in response to what it described as brutal and unprovoked Iranian aggression, calling the attacks a direct threat to the nation’s security and a breach of international law.
The conflict shows no sign of a ceasefire. Nigerians in the Emirates are advised to register with the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, monitor official UAE emergency channels, and avoid unnecessary movement during active missile alerts.
This is a developing story.
