Within the past 24 hours, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles.
A witness reported hearing an explosion over Dubai airport followed by a cloud of smoke as tensions from the widening Iran-US-Israel conflict spread across the Gulf. (File pic | ANI)
The surge in hostilities amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war has led to a significant increase in aerial threats across the Gulf. Within the past 24 hours, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles.
On Saturday morning, a security incident was reported in Dubai linked to heightened regional tensions. Officials said the incident occurred after debris fell following the successful interception of an aerial threat. Authorities added that the interception was contained and no injuries were reported.
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Also, according to a witness cited by AFP, an explosion was heard near Dubai International Airport. It was followed by a cloud of smoke in the sky. Data from flight tracking service Flightradar24 also indicated that several aircraft were circling above the airport in what appeared to be a holding pattern. However, Dubai authorities stated that the situation remains fully under control.
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The Dubai airport has issued a passenger advisory asking passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have received a confirmed departure time directly from their airline, as schedules remain subject to change. Even after receiving a confirmed departure flight from your airline, passengers must check which Terminal your flight is departing from.
It further stated that only limited airport operations have resumed, with a small number of flights operating from DXB and DWC. Earlier today, the airport announced that operations at Dubai International (DXB) were temporarily suspended for the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew. All procedures are being managed in line with established safety protocols.
| Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were briefly suspended after a suspected drone, reportedly launched from Tehran, struck near the runway and caused smoke, prompting safety checks and delays before partial services resumed.#DubaiAirport #DroneStrike #UAE… pic.twitter.com/tDJpyt5aqP
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 7, 2026
The intensity of the regional conflict has grown extensively over the past week, after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes across several cities in Iran. The strikes targeted military command centres, missile launch facilities, air defence systems, and other strategic infrastructure. The attacks resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US and Israeli assets across the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, widening the conflict and raising concerns for civilians and expatriates throughout the Middle East.
According to reports citing the Saudi Ministry of Defence, air defence systems in Saudi Arabia recently neutralised a new wave of attacks targeting the strategic Shaybah Oil Field. Defence ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said 16 drones launched in four separate waves were intercepted and destroyed over the Rub’ al-Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. The drones were reportedly heading toward the key energy facility before being shot down.
Al-Maliki also confirmed the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj. Another drone was reportedly downed east of Riyadh, marking the third consecutive day of attempted strikes on the industrial hub located about 80 kilometres from the Saudi capital.
On Friday alone, Saudi air defences said they intercepted five missiles headed toward Prince Sultan Air Base, along with several drones targeting Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
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