According to Axios, citing Israeli and American officials, Israel sent the United Arab Emirates an Iron Dome air defense system along with troops to operate it at the start of the war with Iran.

Since the war began, the UAE has been targeted by Iran more than any other country in the region. According to data from the Emirati Ministry of Defense, Iran has fired approximately 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 2,200 drones at the country. Most of the missiles and drones were intercepted, but some managed to hit military and civilian targets in the country. These massive attacks prompted the UAE to seek help from its allies.

As Israeli officials told Axios, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after speaking with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to send a set of Iron Dome equipment, which can intercept missiles in the air, along with interceptors and several dozen IDF operators. This was the first time Israel had sent Iron Dome equipment to another country, and the UAE was the first country outside the US and Israel where the system was used, a senior Israeli official said.

The system intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles. The Israeli Air Force also carried out numerous strikes to destroy short-range missiles positioned in southern Iran before they could hit the UAE and other Persian Gulf countries.

Emirati officials said the war with Iran has changed the mindset of many people in the UAE. One official said that anyone seen as helping protect the country from Iranian attacks would be viewed positively.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's decision to share the air defense system with the Emirates at a time when Israel itself was under heavy fire could spark negative reactions in Israel. Israel and the UAE signed a peace agreement in 2020. Although there have been differences over issues involving Gaza since then, both Israeli and Emirati officials say the partnership is now closer than ever.

"We will not forget this," a senior Emirati official said of Israel and Netanyahu's assistance at a critical moment. Another Emirati official noted that this also applies to other countries that engaged and helped the UAE defend itself, such as the US, France, the UK, Italy, and Australia.

"It was a real eye-opening moment. Seeing who our true friends are," an Emirati official said, as reported by Axios.