Live news updates from Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi and Qatar: Dubai authorities confirmed on Saturday that there was a minor incident over the interception of an attack as Iran continues to escalate its attacks against Gulf nations. The president of the United Arab Emirates on Friday visited people who were injured by shrapnel during the Iranian attack and are currently receiving treatment in a hospital, according to several photographs published by the state Wam news agency. The Khaleej Times reported.
The conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has entered its seventh day, with the Gulf region facing what officials describe as an “unprecedented” scale of air aggression. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, confirmed that the nation has faced more than 1,000 attacks in recent days and emphasized that while the scale is massive, the UAE remains “fully prepared to defend its sovereignty.” Meanwhile, Emirates said it carried approximately 30,000 passengers departing Dubai on Thursday, according to a Reuters report.
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In the latest defense report, the UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful interception of six ballistic missiles and 125 drones in the last 24 hours alone. However, the human cost continues to rise: three deaths have already been confirmed, identified as nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, along with 94 injuries.
What is the current situation? Here are 5 updates:
Aviation recovery: Despite the crisis, Dubai airports (DXB and DWC) have facilitated more than 1,140 flights in the last 84 hours, providing 105,000 seats to help travelers return home.
Etihad and Emirates status: Etihad and Emirates have resumed limited trading hours. However, access to the airport terminals is strictly restricted to those with confirmed reservations.
Public Safety Warning: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a stern warning against filming or sharing “sensitive videos” of military interceptions or attack sites, noting that such actions compromise national security.
Regional climbing: Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, while Bahrain’s air defenses have shot down 78 missiles and 143 drones since the conflict began.
Education and public services: Early spring breaks have been ordered for schools and universities in the United Arab Emirates, and some exams have been cancelled. However, Etihad Water and Electricity confirmed that public services remain uninterrupted.
As misinformation about “missile alerts” circulates on social media, The Indian Express Global Desk adheres to rigorous verification standards. Our reports are based on direct updates from the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Ministries of Defense of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Follow our live blog below to track in real time Operation Epic Fury, the status of regional airspace, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.
