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Abu Dhabi confirms death of Pakistani expat after shrapnel falls in Bani Yas area
The authority said the shrapnel fall came from interception of a ballistic missile by air defences in the area
- PUBLISHED: Tue 17 Mar 2026, 9:33 AM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Abu Dhabi confirmed the death of one Pakistani national on Tuesday, March 17, due to falling shrapnel in the Capital's Bani Yas area.
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The authority said the shrapnel fall came from interception of a ballistic missile by air defences in the area.
The authority urged the public to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid circulating rumors or unreliable information.
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Meanwhile on March 16, the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed a missile had struck a civilian vehicle in the emirate's Al Bahia area. One person of Palestinian nationality died in the incident.
Later that day, a drone strike caused a fire at Shah field at night, with no injuries reported in the incident.
These strikes come amid Iranian attacks on UAE, which officials have termed "blatant and treacherous". Air defences are working around the clock to intercept drones and missiles, and UAE has confirmed that it has "full readiness" to confront the attacks.
Since the beginning of Iranian attacks on the UAE, air defences have responded to 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,627 drones. The attacks have resulted in seven deaths and 145 injuries, since February 28.
In an earlier Ministry statement, the Emirates clarified that the country possesses "diverse, integrated, and multi-layered air defence systems, capable of countering a full spectrum of aerial threats with high efficiency."
These include long-, medium-, and short-range systems which provide "comprehensive protection of the nation's airspace". The UAE also maintains a "robust strategic stockpile of munitions, ensuring sustained interception and response capabilities over extended periods."
While UAE calls for de-escalation and stresses dialogue over conflict, the country has maintained that it reserves the right to respond, as Iranian attacks constitute a violation of state sovereignty and international norms.
On March 7, UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed residents following the recent Iranian attacks, saying authorities would fulfil their responsibility to defend the land and its people.
“Pardon us if we did not meet expectations, but we are in a time of war. I promise you that we will fulfil our responsibility to defend you, our people and our families,” he said.
