The United Arab Emirates closed its embassy in Tehran. It also summoned Iran’s ambassador to Abu Dhabi. Officials delivered a formal protest over what they called “Iran’s terrorist attacks”. The conflict has now entered Day 3. New details show the scale of Iran’s latest assault on the UAE.
UAE Air Defence Intercepts Hundreds of Missiles and Drones
Local media reported that the UAE Air Defence Forces shot down 20 ballistic missiles. They also destroyed eight missiles over the sea and neutralised two cruise missiles. In addition, they intercepted 311 drones during the coordinated attack.
However, 21 drones reportedly hit civilian locations despite the strong defence response. A satellite image shared by Reuters showed thick black smoke rising over an industrial area in Dubai. Iran launched the attacks in response to joint strikes by the United States and Israel. Tehran has targeted US-linked facilities across the region.
Stock Markets Suspend Trading
Authorities suspended trading on the country’s two main exchanges. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market will remain closed until Tuesday, March 3. Local media said three people have died in the UAE due to the Iranian strikes.
Explosions Heard Across Gulf Cities
Journalists reported several blasts in Dubai. Residents in Abu Dhabi also heard loud explosions. AFP said sirens sounded in Manama, where an explosion occurred. A journalist in Doha heard a faint blast as well. Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at targets across the UAE, AFP quoted the defence ministry as saying.
Dubai International Airport Suffers Damage
Dubai International Airport suffered partial damage after a suspected aerial strike hit one of its main terminal buildings. Airport authorities confirmed the incident.
They said one concourse at Dubai International “sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained". Four employees were injured. In Abu Dhabi, one person died and seven others were wounded during what officials described as an “incident” at the airport.
Kuwait’s civil aviation authority also confirmed that a drone hit Kuwait airport. Some people suffered minor injuries. The passenger building had “limited” damage.
Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab Among Targeted Areas
The UAE defence ministry said fires and smoke appeared near major landmarks. These included Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. Witnesses heard loud explosions near the Palm. Smoke rose from the area. Authorities said four people were injured.
One witness told AFP he saw thick black smoke rising from a hotel on the Palm. He also heard ambulances rushing to the scene. The Dubai media office later confirmed an "incident" in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area that caused a fire. It said, “Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals sustained injuries and have been transferred to medical facilities,”
Indians Caught in Conflict Zone
Several Indian nationals remain stranded due to the conflict. Actor Subhashree Ganguly was in Dubai with her young son. Her husband, TMC legislator Raj Chakraborty, told the media that both are “in a hotel and safe.” He said, “We are deeply concerned, although civilians are known to be safe in Dubai. Let's see when the flight operations resume,”
Ananya Datta, a resident of Kuwait, told HT that she and her husband saw a drone hit the local airport. Kolkata mayor and cabinet minister Firhad Hakim’s wife and two daughters were on a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. His elder daughter, Priyadarshini, shared her experience online. She said, "We are safe, but the army here is ready for combat. We saw a missile flying above us,"
Centre Calls Situation Volatile
Union minister Pralhad Joshi said the Indian government is working continuously to ensure the safe return of stranded citizens. He described the situation as “volatile”.
He also said the situation is “turbulent”, adding “that even flying a plane there is dangerous.” The conflict continues to escalate, raising fears of wider instability across the Gulf region.