When the United States and Israel launched Operation Lion’s Roar against Iran on February 28, Tehran quickly retaliated, targeting Tel Aviv and US military assets in Qatar, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Iranian attacks over the past two days have left three people dead in the United Arab Emirates. Authorities also reported 58 minor injuries involving residents of multiple nationalities.
Since February 28, the United Arab Emirates has detected 165 ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Of them, 152 were destroyed and 13 fell into the sea, Khaleej Times reported. Two cruise missiles were detected and neutralized. In addition, 541 Iranian drones were tracked, 506 intercepted and 35 reached the territory of the United Arab Emirates, causing material damage. Officials said debris from the intercepted projectiles caused minor to moderate damage to civilian property.
As new attacks and counterattacks escalated tensions, Indians across the Gulf on Sunday reported anxiety, loud explosions and major travel disruptions, even as governments urged calm and issued security advisories.
Injuries reported in Dubai
Two residents were injured after shrapnel from a drone fell on houses in Dubai following successful air defense interceptions, according to the Dubai Media Office. Loud explosions were heard in parts of the city on Sunday for the second day in a row as Iran continued to attack US-linked assets in the Gulf.
Authorities confirmed that the remains of the intercepted drones fell in residential yards. The injured received medical attention and are in stable condition. Officials stressed that the loud bangs heard in some parts of the emirate were the result of successful interception operations and that the situation remains under control. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority urged residents to remain calm and follow official guidelines.
Airport closures and travel chaos
Dubai, the world’s busiest international aviation hub, was one of several Middle East airports that were forced to suspend operations on Saturday when missiles crossed the region.
More than 700 flights were canceled at Dubai International Airport. Operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) were suspended indefinitely. Indian badminton star PV Sindhu and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto were among the passengers stranded at the airport.
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Official response in Dubai
In an official statement, the Dubai Media Office said emergency teams quickly secured the Palm Jumeirah site and brought the fire under control. Four people were injured and taken to hospital.
Authorities urged the public to rely only on verified information and avoid circulating unverified videos or images on social media. The UAE also confirmed that air defense systems intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles, while flight operations at DXB and DWC remain suspended as a precautionary measure.
Work from home measures are expanded
Many companies in the UAE have activated hybrid and remote work arrangements to ensure the safety of employees. Sanjeev Giri, chief operating officer of Adecco UAE, said organizations are responding flexibly, Khaleej Times reported.
“Many companies have incorporated hybrid or remote frameworks into their operating models, allowing for rapid activation of work from home when roles allow,” he said.
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Refunds and notices to passengers
Major UAE airlines, including Emirates and flydubai, have offered refunds and rebooking options after the General Authority of Civil Aviation temporarily closed the country’s airspace.
Passengers scheduled to travel within the next three days can rebook up to 10 days after the original date or request refunds. Travelers have been urged to check the status of their flights before heading to airports.
Authorities also confirmed the successful interception of a third wave of Iranian missiles. While most were neutralized in the air, falling debris in residential areas caused two injuries in Dubai. Operations on DXB and DWC remain suspended until further notice and passengers are advised to contact the airlines directly.
Reports also indicated that the Burj Khalifa was briefly evacuated as a precaution.
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India’s response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning the attacks and expressing solidarity with the Emirates.
“India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times,” Modi said.
NYU Abu Dhabi students shelter in place
New York University said about 150 prospective students were taking shelter in a hotel in Abu Dhabi after missile attacks interrupted their campus visit.
University officials said approximately 300 high school students had traveled for the weekend’s Candidate Visit program. Thirty-four were American citizens, while most of the others, mainly from Middle Eastern countries, have already left.
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University spokesperson Wiley Norvell said all students remain safe. “We immediately began accelerating our visitor departures for Candidate Weekend and have been continually communicating with parents about the evolving situation,” he said.
