Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Drone Attack Near UAE Nuclear Power Plant
The Government of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned a drone attack in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant. UAE authorities are currently investigating the source of the attack.
The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that it “successfully” intercepted two drones, while a third drone struck an electrical generator near the Barakah nuclear facility, located in the al-Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. The Ministry noted that the drones entered from the “western border” but provided no further details.
Emergency authorities responded to the incident and confirmed that no casualties have been reported, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
As reported by Al Arabiya on Monday (18/05/2026), the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Kingdom firmly condemns this “blatant attack,” which it believes “threatens the security and stability of the region.”
The Ministry also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the UAE and its support for “all measures taken to protect its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan subsequently received a telephone call from UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, during which both parties reviewed security measures following the attack, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Separately, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, describing it as a “dangerous escalation.”
“The UAE emphasises that it will not tolerate any threats to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances,” the ministry’s statement read.
On Sunday (17/05) local time, UAE Presidential Advisor Anwar Gargash referred to the targeting of the Barakah nuclear plant as a “terrorist” act. He stated that “whether it was carried out directly by Iran or through one of its proxies, it is a bad development that violates all international laws and norms, reflecting a criminal disregard for the lives of civilians in the UAE and its surroundings.”
“No one will force the UAE, or succeed in undermining its vision, success, and inspiring message to the people in this region, which is centred on security, stability, development, and prosperity,” he added.