Iran has identified five of the United Arab Emirates’ most critical energy and water facilities as potential targets, indicating an escalation as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reports said the sites would be “completely destroyed” in the event of any hostile action by the UAE.

In a post on X, Iranian Military Media stated, “IRAN has stated that in the event of any hostile action by the #UAE, the following targets would be completely destroyed:

• Jebel Ali Power Plant (Dubai)
• M Power Plant (Dubai)
• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Dubai)
• Al Taweelah Power Plant (Abu Dhabi)
• Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (Abu Dhabi).”

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Jebel Ali complex central to Dubai’s survival

The main target is Dubai’s Jebel Ali power and desalination complex, one of the largest integrated facilities of its kind in the world. It supplies a significant portion of the emirate’s electricity and drinking water. Closely linked to Jebel Ali is the M-Station, a major contributor to Dubai’s peak-load power capacity.

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It plays a crucial role during periods of high demand, particularly in the summer months when air-conditioning use surges. Analysts say that disabling this unit could destabilise the wider electricity grid, potentially causing cascading failures across the emirate.

Solar park shows clean energy vulnerability

Iran’s warning also extends to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the UAE’s flagship renewable energy projects. Beyond its contribution to power generation, the solar park is central to the country’s long-term strategy to diversify away from hydrocarbons. A strike on this site would not only disrupt electricity supply but also deal a blow to the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.

Taweelah plant crucial for Abu Dhabi’s supply

In Abu Dhabi, the Taweelah power and desalination facility has also been identified as a target. The plant is a key node in the national grid, supplying both electricity and potable water to the capital and surrounding industrial zones. Any disruption here would have widespread implications for daily life and economic activity in the emirate.

Barakah nuclear plant raises regional risks

The inclusion of the Barakah nuclear power plant has raised particular concern among security experts. The facility generates roughly a quarter of the UAE’s electricity. While no explicit mention of nuclear contamination has been made, analysts warn that any attack on such infrastructure could carry serious environmental and humanitarian risks, with potential consequences extending beyond the UAE.

Hormuz tensions amplify global energy concerns

The development comes amid increasing geopolitical tensions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which a large share of the world’s oil supply passes. Any escalation in the region could disrupt energy flows and trigger immediate volatility in global markets.