“Dubai Airport attack LIVE updates: UAE authorities say national air-defence units have been activated to counter a potential missile threat, according to NCEMA. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is urging US President Donald Trump to continue strong military action against Iran.”
Key Developments
2 minutes ago
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry says its forces have intercepted more than 60 drones overnight.
11 minutes ago
The United Arab Emirates confirms its air-defence systems are actively responding to a missile alert.
19 minutes ago
Reports suggest Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to intensify strikes on Iran.
34 minutes ago
Several flights scheduled to land in Dubai were redirected back to their departure airports due to security concerns.
48 minutes ago
Airline Emirates temporarily halted flight operations, issuing a statement regarding the suspension.
Context: The Gulf region has faced repeated missile and drone alerts during the ongoing Iran-related conflict, with several countries activating air-defence systems and airports experiencing disruptions.
Dubai Airport Attack LIVE
The United Arab Emirates’ National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) confirmed that the country’s air-defence units were activated after a missile threat was detected. At the same time, a recent report suggested that Saudi Arabia has been encouraging Donald Trump, the US president, to continue strong military action against Iran.
Dubai Airport temporarily halts flights
Operations at Dubai International Airport were briefly suspended after a drone strike hit installations close to the runway area. Authorities said the attack damaged nearby fuel storage tanks, prompting emergency services to respond quickly.
During the disruption, several aircraft already approaching the airport were forced to circle in holding patterns until safety checks were completed. Officials stated that the suspension followed another short-lived disruption earlier in the week caused by a similar attack.
Emirates, the largest airline operating from Dubai’s main airport, confirmed that some flights were temporarily paused while the situation was being handled.
19 Indians among people detained in UAE
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said 35 individuals were arrested, including 19 Indian nationals, over social media posts that allegedly contained misleading or fabricated information during the heightened tensions in West Asia.
According to a statement issued by Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, officials had been closely monitoring digital platforms to prevent the spread of manipulated videos and false narratives that could incite panic or disturb public order.
The move comes as the region faces escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iran claims UAE ports used for US strikes
Officials in Tehran alleged that American forces used ports and maritime facilities within the UAE as staging points to launch attacks on Kharg Island, which houses Iran’s most important oil export terminal.
However, the Iranian government did not present concrete evidence to support the accusation.
Responding to the claims, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said the country retains the right to defend itself, but emphasized that Abu Dhabi continues to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomatic reasoning.
Iran warns Gulf states about potential strikes
Iran’s joint military command warned that it could target oil infrastructure, energy installations, and economic facilities linked to the United States if Iranian oil facilities come under attack.
Tehran says its military actions are aimed primarily at American military presence across the Middle East. Several regional countries host US bases, including the UAE, Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey.
In recent attacks, drones and missiles have also been launched toward civilian locations in the UAE, including areas near Dubai airport, major hotels, and the country’s financial district.
Iran calls for reassessment of Gulf relations
Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, said relations between Iran and Gulf states may require a “serious reassessment” after the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters, Enayati acknowledged concerns that the conflict could strain regional ties but emphasised that neighbouring countries ultimately depend on cooperation with one another.
He also argued that political developments in the region over the past five decades have been influenced by heavy reliance on external powers, which he said has shaped many of the region’s tensions.
The ambassador called for closer cooperation among Gulf nations, including the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as Iraq and Iran.
Strikes continue across UAE and Saudi Arabia
The UAE — which normalised diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 — has been one of the hardest-hit countries during the latest wave of attacks. Nevertheless, nearly all Gulf Arab nations have experienced some level of impact and have publicly criticised Iran.
Behind the scenes, analysts say there is growing frustration among regional governments toward the United States, which has long served as their main security partner. Some officials believe Washington’s policies have drawn them deeper into a conflict they initially did not support.
In Saudi Arabia, most of the recent strikes have targeted the oil-rich eastern region, where much of the kingdom’s energy production is located. According to the Saudi defence ministry, other locations hit include Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts US troops east of Riyadh, as well as the diplomatic district in the Saudi capital.
Saudi Arabia and Iran had restored full diplomatic relations in 2023 after years of rivalry during which both countries backed opposing political and military groups across the region.
