The statement said the attack was likely carried out by Iran-backed Shia militias in Iraq.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Iran-allied militias have previously carried out attacks on countries around the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.
The three drones caused a fire in a generator, but there was no damage to the nuclear power plant itself.
Three more drones have been sent towards the United Arab Emirates in the past two days, according to the Defense Department.
