Nepal’s Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed the death of a 29-year-old Nepali national from western Gorkha district during a drone interception operation at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the widening human cost of the escalating US–Iran conflict.

The victim, Diwas Shrestha, was working as a security guard for a private company in Abu Dhabi at the time of the incident. In an official condolence notice, the Embassy of Nepal stated that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally informed it of Shrestha’s death, which occurred during defensive operations targeting incoming drones.

On Sunday, the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that one Nepali, one Pakistani, and one Bangladeshi national were killed in the incident. Authorities said 58 others sustained minor injuries. The injured included nationals from several countries, reflecting the diverse expatriate workforce in the Gulf region.

Regional tensions have intensified following joint US–Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions across parts of the Middle East. Several Gulf nations that host US military facilities have faced security threats, prompting heightened defensive measures. The UAE, home to significant American military assets and a large expatriate population, remains on alert.

The Embassy of Nepal expressed deep sorrow over Shrestha’s death and extended condolences to his family. It stated that all necessary procedures for repatriating his remains would be facilitated once airspace restrictions are lifted. Ongoing hostilities have led to temporary airspace closures in parts of the Gulf, complicating travel and logistics.

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 1.7 million Nepalis reside across 12 Middle Eastern countries. The UAE hosts the largest number, with around 700,000 Nepali nationals, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Remittances from migrant workers in the Gulf constitute a vital pillar of Nepal’s economy.

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has activated diplomatic missions across the region to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens. As geopolitical tensions continue to unfold, concerns remain over the security of millions of migrant workers caught in the crossfire of a rapidly evolving regional conflict.