Dubai, Abu Dhabi news highlights: Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones in east

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The general secretariat of the Arab interior ministers Council has strongly condemned what it described as “malicious and repeated Iranian aggression” against Arab countries, reported Gulf news.

In a statement issued on Friday, the body denounced Iran’s “deliberate hostile practices” targeting civilian sites as well as vital energy and gas facilities across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, along with other Arab nations.

The General Secretariat said the attacks constitute a “blatant violation of all international laws, conventions, and principles of good neighborliness”.

It further warned that the escalation poses serious risks to regional and global economic interests and threatens international peace and security.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran’s top military spokesman has warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide would not be safe for Tehran’s enemies as the conflict intensifies.

Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi issued the warning on Friday as Iran continues to face American and Israeli airstrikes, raising concerns that Tehran could expand its response beyond the Middle East.

“From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you,” Shekarchi said in a statement published by Iranian state television, reported AP.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran’s military has issued a stark warning that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide would not be safe for its enemies amid the escalating conflict, reported AP.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Authorities in Qatar have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and what they described as “misleading information” during the ongoing war, reported AFP.

The move comes as Gulf countries intensify crackdowns on content linked to the conflict.

Bahrain and Kuwait have also taken similar action against individuals accused of spreading false or sensitive information.

Police in Abu Dhabi on Friday said they have arrested more than 100 people for filming sensitive sites and circulating misinformation on social media during the ongoing conflict.

“Abu Dhabi Police announced the arrest of 109 individuals of various nationalities who filmed sites and incidents and circulated incorrect information via social media platforms during current events,” authorities said in a statement on X, adding that some had shared “misleading information”.

“Such actions are liable to incite public opinion and spread rumors among members of the community,” the statement added.

Separately, the UAE’s attorney-general has ordered the arrest of 35 individuals so far for publishing misinformation, filming or sharing footage linked to the conflict, or glorifying “a hostile state and its political and military leadership”.

Switzerland on Friday said it would not issue licences for companies to export weapons to the United States, citing its long-standing neutrality amid the ongoing attacks on Iran.

“The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict,” the government said in a statement, Reuters reported.

“Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised,” it added.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces said its air defence systems on March 20, 2026 engaged four ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran, as hostilities in the region continue to escalate.

Since what it described as the onset of “blatant Iranian aggression,” the UAE said its air defences have intercepted a total of 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 UAVs.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of two armed forces personnel while on duty. Authorities also confirmed six civilian fatalities, including nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Palestine.

Dubai news LIVE: Bahrain’s airspace remained shut amid the ongoing situation, affecting regular flight operations.

However, Gulf Air is continuing special flights to India from Saudi Arabia’s Dammam airport to support passenger movement.

(ANI)

Dubai news LIVE: Seyed Abbas Araghchi, foreign minister of Iran, has sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a viral clip in which he appeared to compare Jesus Christ with Genghis Khan. In a post on X, Araghchi accused Netanyahu of showing “open disdain” for Jesus while praising one of history’s most notorious conquerors.

The Iranian minister’s remarks came in response to a 16-second video clip where Netanyahu is heard saying that Jesus has “no advantage” over Genghis Khan, adding that if one is “strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough,” then aggression can prevail over moderation.

Araghchi also took aim at Netanyahu’s political standing, calling him a “wanted war criminal”.

Dubai news LIVE: Airlines in the UAE are continuing to operate limited non-scheduled flights depending on safety and operational conditions.

Around 90 flights are expected to depart from various UAE airports to India on Friday, providing some relief to stranded passengers.

Dubai news LIVE: The MEA said efforts are underway to locate one missing Indian national as diplomatic missions stay in constant touch with authorities in multiple Gulf countries.

Officials added that assistance is being extended on the ground, while steps are being taken to ensure early return of mortal remains of those who have died.

Dubai news LIVE: Six Indian nationals have died and one remains missing in separate incidents across the Gulf region, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. The developments come amid ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

Indian missions in countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the UAE are coordinating closely with local authorities to trace the missing person and arrange repatriation of the deceased.

Dubai news LIVE: The ongoing conflict across West Asia has left a heavy human toll, with more than 1,300 people reported killed in Iran due to continued strikes.

In Lebanon, Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah have killed over 1,000 people and forced more than one million residents to flee their homes, according to government estimates. Israel has said it has eliminated over 500 Hezbollah fighters.

In Israel, at least 15 people have died following Iranian missile strikes, while four more were killed in the West Bank.

The conflict has also claimed the lives of at least 13 US military personnel, further underscoring the widening impact of the war.

(AP)

Dubai news LIVE: The United Arab Emirates on Friday said it has dismantled a suspected terror network allegedly backed by Iran and Hezbollah, with several members taken into custody.

Authorities said the group operated under the guise of a business setup and was involved in money laundering and terror financing, posing a threat to national security and financial stability.

(Reuters)

Dubai news LIVE: Saudi defence systems successfully intercepted ballistic missiles aimed at the capital, Riyadh. The attempted strike highlights the continuing threat posed by aerial attacks amid escalating regional tensions.

The twin incidents come at a time of heightened instability in West Asia, fuelling concerns about potential disruptions to global oil markets and maritime trade routes.

(Bloomberg)

Dubai news LIVE: Saudi Arabia has reported a drone strike targeting a key oil facility along its Red Sea coast, raising fresh concerns over the security of critical energy infrastructure in the region.

According to official statements, the drone struck the Samref refinery – an important hub linked to export routes used by the world’s largest oil exporter. Authorities did not immediately detail the extent of the damage, but the incident underscores growing risks to supply chains passing through the Red Sea corridor.

(Bloomberg)

Dubai news LIVE: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called for unity and solidarity in his Eid al-Fitr message, as violence and instability continue to grip parts of West Asia.

Extending greetings to people in Turkiye and across the Islamic world, he said, “May Allah grant that the Eid contributes to unity, solidarity and brotherhood in our country,” stressing the importance of cohesion during a time of regional unrest.

Highlighting concerns over the worsening situation in neighbouring regions, Erdogan added, “May our Lord make Eid al-Fitr a means of salvation and revival for the entire Islamic world.”

(ANI)

Dubai news LIVE: An Iranian strike has hit an oil refinery in Israel’s Haifa, damaging key external infrastructure needed for operations. The facility is expected to remain shut for several days as repairs are carried out.

Dubai news LIVE: Iran’s Foreign Minister told his British counterpart that the UK shares responsibility for what Tehran described as US-Israeli “aggression” against Iran, AFP reported.

Dubai news LIVE: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that its spokesperson, General Ali Mohammad Naeini, was killed in an Israeli-US missile strike.

State-run Tasnim news agency reported on Telegram that Naeini was killed early on Friday.

Dubai news LIVE: Authorities across the Gulf have directed that Eid al-Fitr prayers be held only inside mosques this year, suspending large open-air congregations as the Israeli-US conflict with Iran escalates, Al Jazeera reported.

Governments in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have advised worshippers to avoid traditional outdoor prayer grounds, where thousands gather to mark the end of Ramadan.

Officials described the move as a precautionary measure, as countries across the region review public safety arrangements amid ongoing hostilities and recent attacks linked to Iran.

Dubai news LIVE: Etihad Airways on Friday said it is operating a limited schedule of commercial flights between Abu Dhabi and select destinations, as services gradually resume.

Passengers with confirmed bookings will be accommodated at the earliest, while new tickets are available through the airline’s official website.

The airline advised travellers not to head to the airport unless they have been contacted by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking. “We request all passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport to ensure a smooth travel experience,” an Etihad spokesperson said.

Etihad also warned passengers about fake social media accounts impersonating the airline and sending fraudulent refund forms. “Etihad will never request passwords, payment details, or sensitive information via social media. Please rely only on our official website and verified accounts for updates,” the spokesperson added.

Dubai news LIVE: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said it is tackling a fire at a unit of the Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery after it was struck by drone attacks on Friday.

Parts of the facility were shut down as a precaution, with no injuries reported. Emergency teams are working to contain the situation in line with safety protocols.

Dubai news LIVE: The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Friday outlined measures to ease the impact of rising energy prices triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran, including encouraging work-from-home, cutting highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h, and avoiding air travel where alternatives exist, Reuters reported.

The agency said governments, businesses and households could adopt these steps to help reduce pressure on consumers amid global inflation concerns.

Dubai news LIVE: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said civil defence teams have successfully extinguished a fire at a company warehouse that was sparked by falling shrapnel during an Iranian attack.