Local News from Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

In a statement marking the 50th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the nation’s strength lies in its military, the unity of its society and the resilience of its development model.

The UAE’s air defence systems are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

Leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain have expressed their strong condemnation of the Iranian attacks during separate calls with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, has called Iran the "source of danger and threat to regional security and stability" a day after the country faced multiple attacks.

The UAE will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of its armed forces on Wednesday, reflecting five decades of achievements in defending sovereignty and safeguarding national gains.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were among world leaders who strongly condemned the renewed Iranian attacks targeting the UAE, pledging continued support for the country.