ABU DHABI, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Eight nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Palestine have been killed, and 157 residents of multiple nationalities have suffered minor to severe injuries in the UAE amid the recent escalating regional tensions, the UAE's Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The Dubai skyline with the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper (R) is pictured as a smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Since the start of what the ministry described as Iranian attacks, the UAE's air defense systems have engaged a total of 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,672 drones, the ministry said.

It said the air defense systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones launched toward the country on Tuesday alone.

Earlier in the day, authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that one person was killed by shrapnel after a missile interception.

The ministry said that it remains fully prepared to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country's security.