Why Is UAE Installing Metal Cages Around Oil Storage Tanks In Abu Dhabi?

News world Why Is UAE Installing Metal Cages Around Oil Storage Tanks In Abu Dhabi?

Why Is UAE Installing Metal Cages Around Oil Storage Tanks In Abu Dhabi?

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Last Updated: August 23, 2026, 11:08 IST

The protective cages are intended to reduce the impact of short-range drones carrying explosives.

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The UAE is trying to protect its oil storage tanks using cages against drone attacks. (Image: X)

The United Arab Emirates has reportedly installed large, grid-like metal structures around fuel storage tanks in Abu Dhabi, in a bid to shield critical energy infrastructure from drone attacks amid heightened regional tensions.

The protective cages, whose construction reportedly began around May, are intended to reduce the impact of short-range drones carrying explosives. They are not designed to stop ballistic or cruise missiles, which remain a much more difficult threat to counter, The News International reported.

Drone Threat Drives New Defences

The move comes after the UAE was repeatedly targeted during the Iran-US conflict that began in February. Iranian missiles and drones struck or threatened several locations across the country, including energy and maritime infrastructure. On May 4, a drone attack triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, injuring three Indian nationals. The UAE also said an ADNOC tanker was hit by two drones in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.

The scale of the threat was significant. UAE authorities said that, since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, more than 1,400 drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles had been detected, with the majority intercepted.

Metal Cages Around Fuel Tanks

Metal cages and netting are not a new defensive concept. Russia has used similar structures around oil storage facilities to limit damage from Ukrainian drone strikes.

However, such measures are considered only an additional layer of protection rather than a complete solution. As drone warfare evolves, analysts warn that attackers could eventually develop specialised systems designed specifically to breach or bypass protective cages, allowing conventional explosive drones to reach vulnerable targets.

The Abu Dhabi installations therefore highlight a broader shift in Gulf security planning: energy infrastructure is increasingly being hardened against relatively inexpensive drones that can cause significant damage despite sophisticated air-defence systems.

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Key Questions Answered Powered by Ask News18 Will these cages fully protect against future drone attacks? The metal cages are intended to reduce the impact of short-range drones carrying explosives. However, the sources do not confirm if these cages will fully protect against all future drone attacks. How could drone warfare evolve to bypass these new protections? Drone warfare could evolve with specialised systems designed to breach or bypass protective cages, allowing conventional explosive drones to reach vulnerable targets. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More

Location : Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

First Published: August 23, 2026, 11:08 IST

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