While the UAE-Iran war continues to escalate, have you ever wondered why there are no missile launch alerts? The UAE’s early warning system (EWS) is geolocation-based, meaning residents may or may not receive siren alerts. The warning system's alerts mostly depend on the location during a missile attack or war emergency.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) explained that the system is intended to ensure timely, targeted alerts. In a video message, NCEMA explained that the alerts are not issued across the country equally but are based geographically.
The warning system is an important safety tool that instantly alerts the public and allows the nation to prepare for times of emergency. The video message also highlighted, “The national early warning system operates based on geographic location. Alerts are sent only to the areas concerned based on the location of the hazard, the nature of the hazard, and the extent of its impact.”
But why are only some regions getting these alerts? In response to this, the authority says that public confusion is rising amidst the constant geopolitical conflicts. So, to reduce this tension and mishap, only certain areas receive threat alerts, and others don’t.
However, many citizens have argued that the emergency alerts must not be working properly. Thus, raising a safety loop in the government's security guidelines. In response to this, the government explains that this reflects the system's design and not a malfunction.
They also highlighted that “Some areas may receive alerts related to missile attacks, while other areas may not because the incident does not directly affect those locations. Alert receipt may also vary depending on the device’s location at the time the alert is issued and on emergency alert settings.” Furthermore, NCEMA says that people in nearby areas are likely to hear sound reverberations from locations affected by missile attacks, even if they do not receive alerts.