UAE hit by new drone and missile strikes despite Iranian apologies

Yesterday 15:15

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced new drone and missile attacks on Saturday, causing a brief suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport, despite apologies from Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian to neighboring countries.

The strikes targeted Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, with officials reporting 16 ballistic missiles and 121 drones aimed at their territories. Emirati air defenses intercepted 15 missiles and 119 drones, while one missile fell into the sea and two drones landed on UAE territory, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Earlier in the day, President Pezeshkian had apologized to Gulf neighbors for previous Iranian attacks since the start of the conflict with the United States and Israel on February 28, pledging no further strikes unless attacks were launched from these countries.

Qatar reported intercepting a missile attack, while Saudi Arabia destroyed three ballistic missiles headed for Prince Sultan Air Base, which houses U.S. forces, along with 17 drones targeting the Shaybah oil field. Kuwait intercepted a drone, and Jordan accused Iran of targeting strategic installations over the past week, firing 119 missiles and drones since the start of the regional conflict.

The UAE has been the most targeted country, with more than 221 ballistic missiles detected—205 intercepted—and 1,305 drones, of which 1,229 were intercepted. A morning interception over Dubai temporarily closed the world’s busiest international airport before partial operations resumed. Witnesses reported a strong explosion and smoke cloud over the airport following an interception.

Previous Iranian attacks have also affected Abu Dhabi Airport, the Palm Jumeirah artificial island, and the Burj Al Arab hotel. Debris from drones caused a fire at the U.S. consulate in Dubai earlier this week. Airlines, including Emirates, briefly suspended flights but later resumed limited operations. Four employees were injured and a terminal was damaged during the initial attacks on February 28.