As the war between the US, Israel, and Iran escalates, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has actively sought assistance from its allies following a relentless barrage of missiles from Iran. Over the course of the conflict, Iran has fired approximately 550 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside more than 2,200 drones, aiming to target various strategic locations in the UAE.

In early April 2026, after a direct call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the deployment of an Iron Dome system, along with IDF troops tasked with operating the equipment. This decision underscores the deepening military and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE, a relationship solidified by the Abraham Accords in 2020.

This deployment is noteworthy as it represents the first operational use of the Iron Dome outside Israel and the United States. The system's success rate in intercepting incoming missiles has been widely regarded, and it has already managed to neutralize several Iranian projectiles aimed at key civilian and military infrastructures in the UAE.

Israeli officials reported that despite the system's efficacy, some Iranian missiles managed to bypass defenses and hit military and civilian targets in the UAE, adding urgency to the Emirati government's call for international support. During this period, both nations coordinated closely, with Israel carrying out airstrikes against Iranian missile sites to further shield UAE interests.

The UAE's strategic pivot towards Israel in the face of an Iranian threat reflects a significant shift in regional dynamics, with Emirati officials acknowledging the assistance received during this crisis. “It was a real eye-opening moment to see who our real friends are,” remarked an Emirati official, highlighting the importance of the alliances formed amid conflict.

As the situation develops, the long-term implications of this military collaboration could reshape security relations in the Gulf, enhancing the UAE-Israel alliance against common threats.