In a tragic incident in Dubai’s Al Barsha district, a Pakistani driver lost his life on Saturday evening after debris from an air defense operation hit his vehicle.
This is the first reported death in Dubai linked to debris from Iranian missile retaliation in the region.
Officials confirmed that Mureed Zaman, who belonged to Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, died after debris from an air defense interception fell in a residential area.
The Dubai Media Office said the fatal incident took place during an air interception on Saturday. However, authorities did not clarify which projectile was intercepted or where it had come from.
Zaman had been living in the UAE for nearly eight years. He worked in Abu Dhabi as a labourer and driver, supporting his family back in Pakistan. His death is the second Pakistani casualty in the UAE during the recent wave of regional attacks.
Tensions in the Gulf have grown since February 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran were followed by retaliatory missile attacks targeting locations across the region.
Earlier, the UAE Defence Ministry reported a death in Abu Dhabi caused by falling debris. At first, the victim was described only as an Asian national, but it was later confirmed to be Zaman.
UAE authorities expressed “sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of the Pakistani national who lost his life,” and said they stand with those affected by the attacks. Officials also urged residents to strictly follow safety alerts issued during air defense operations to avoid further incidents.
The tragedy highlights the human toll of the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict and the risks faced by expatriate workers living in the region.
Pakistani communities in the UAE have been advised to remain alert and follow emergency safety instructions during periods of military tension.
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Authorities stressed that following emergency warnings can help prevent similar incidents. They noted that four people have died in the country during recent attacks, including two Pakistanis.
Officials have not released many details but confirmed that the Pakistani driver was inside his vehicle when the debris struck.
The incident has prompted fresh warnings for both citizens and expatriates to stay alert during air defense operations and to heed official alert messages.