Dubai, Abu Dhabi News highlights: Operations suspended at UAE's gas facility after missile interception

By Priyanjali Narayan, Shivya Kanojia, Akansha Purohit

Mar 19, 2026, 06:34:51 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news: A loud bang was heard in Dubai as authorities confirmed successful air interceptions with no injuries. An Iranian projectile also struck near Australia’s Middle East military headquarters in the UAE, though no injuries were reported, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Key Events

6:33 AM IST, Mar 19This live blog is now closed
6:30 AM IST, Mar 19UAE on Iran's gas field attack
5:59 AM IST, Mar 19Projectile hits a vessel off UAE, near Strait of Hormuz
5:40 AM IST, Mar 19After Qatar, Abu Dhabi on Iran's target, gas facility operations halted
5:26 AM IST, Mar 18Saudi Arabia says it reserves right to military action after Iran attacks
5:02 AM IST, Mar 18UAE calls Iran attack on its gas facilities as ‘dangerous escalation’
4:54 AM IST, Mar 18Operations suspended at UAE's Habshan gas facility following missile interception
4:42 AM IST, Mar 18Oil and Gas Prices Surge as Iran Attacks Major LNG Plant
4:16 AM IST, Mar 18Qatar declares Iranian military, security attaches ‘persona non grata’
3:55 AM IST, Mar 18Qatar Reports Extensive Damage at World’s Largest LNG Plant
3:45 AM IST, Mar 18Operations suspended at UAE's Habshan gas facility following missile interception
3:35 AM IST, Mar 18Abu Dhabi dealing with 2 incidents of fallen debris
3:16 AM IST, Mar 18Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah says it will temporarily suspend attacks on US embassy
2:52 AM IST, Mar 18Air India, AI Express to operate 48 West Asia flights on Thursday
2:35 AM IST, Mar 18UAE responds to missile threat from Iran
1:04 AM IST, Mar 18UAE says air defences responding to new missile threat
12:31 AM IST, Mar 18Fire in Qatar's Ras Laffan area after Iranian attack
12:12 AM IST, Mar 18Second wave of explosions heard in Riyadh
11:52 PM IST, Mar 18Saudi says destroyed drone headed towards gas plant
11:31 PM IST, Mar 18Iran threatens Gulf energy targets after huge gas field is struck
10:47 PM IST, Mar 18Drone intercepted near Baghdad airport Dubai
10:45 PM IST, Mar 18UAE response on Iran attacks
9:58 PM IST, Mar 18Two big explosions heard in Saudi capital
9:57 PM IST, Mar 18Missiles launched from Iran towards Israel; Qatar condemns strike on South Pars gas facilities in Iran
9:41 PM IST, Mar 18UAE condemns targeting of South Pars gas field, after Iran blames US, Israel
9:39 PM IST, Mar 181,000 Indians still in Iran, 23,000 students in Gulf could not appear in CBSE exams
9:16 PM IST, Mar 18Tehran warns Gulf energy installations after oil industry facilities hit in southern Iran
9:09 PM IST, Mar 18Israel steps up Beirut strikes, hits bridges in south Lebanon
9:07 PM IST, Mar 18UAE urges avoiding targeting vital facilities, stresses adherence to international law
8:39 PM IST, Mar 18Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE issues safety alert after intercepting Iranian missile, drone threats
8:25 PM IST, Mar 18Indigo resumes Dubai flight operations
8:12 PM IST, Mar 18Iran President confirms intelligence minister Esmail Khatib ‘assassinated’
7:46 PM IST, Mar 18Israeli strike kills 4 in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley
7:39 PM IST, Mar 18Dubai confirms successful air interceptions, no injuries reported
7:36 PM IST, Mar 18Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran issues evacuation warning near oil sites in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
6:09 PM IST, Mar 18UAE restricts open-air namaz ahead of Eid al-Fitr; prayers to be held inside mosques
5:36 PM IST, Mar 18Tanker Jag Laadki carrying crude oil from UAE docks at Gujarat’s Mundra Port
5:26 PM IST, Mar 18Prayer timings across UAE announced
5:00 PM IST, Mar 18Iran's state-run media report an attack on facilities at its key South Pars offshore gas field
4:55 PM IST, Mar 18Israel claims another top Iranian official killed while Iran's attacks kill 2 near Tel Aviv
4:43 PM IST, Mar 18Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Oil slips as Iraq-Turkey export deal eases supply concerns
4:31 PM IST, Mar 18Israel strikes central Beirut as war expands
3:49 PM IST, Mar 18Iran’s intelligence minister Khatib killed, Says Israel Defense Minister Katz
3:34 PM IST, Mar 18Building collapses in central Beirut after Israeli airstrike
3:30 PM IST, Mar 18Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: China supports UAE in safeguarding sovereignty, condemns attacks on civilians, infrastructure
3:21 PM IST, Mar 18Iran lashes out with attacks on Israel and Gulf neighbors as Israel hits Beirut
2:35 PM IST, Mar 18UAE official says Iran war tightens Gulf ties to US, Israel
2:13 PM IST, Mar 18Oil slips as Iraq-Turkey export deal eases supply concerns
2:11 PM IST, Mar 18Iran strikes Gulf targets; Saudi downs missile, drones over Riyadh
1:47 PM IST, Mar 18UAE issues safety alert after intercepting Iranian missile, drone threats
1:40 PM IST, Mar 18Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys drone over Riyadh
1:34 PM IST, Mar 18UAE central bank unveils support package as Iran war strains markets
1:03 PM IST, Mar 18Explosions heard in Erbil as projectiles intercepted over city
1:01 PM IST, Mar 18Saudi Arabia intercepts two drones targeting Riyadh diplomatic quarter
12:37 PM IST, Mar 18Iranian strike causes minor damage at UAE base hosting Australian facilities
12:22 PM IST, Mar 18Iran says stance on nuclear weapons unchanged
11:56 AM IST, Mar 18Dubai confirms successful air interceptions, no injuries reported
11:51 AM IST, Mar 18UAE air defences intercept Iranian missiles and drones
11:47 AM IST, Mar 18Loud bang heard in Dubai
11:35 AM IST, Mar 18Iran strikes Israel, Gulf countries after killing of Ali Larijani
11:30 AM IST, Mar 18Drone intercepted near Baghdad airport
11:28 AM IST, Mar 18Israeli strike kills 4 in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley
11:22 AM IST, Mar 18Iran foreign minister blames US for war, acknowledges regional concern
10:57 AM IST, Mar 18Israel orders evacuation of four south Lebanon villages
10:47 AM IST, Mar 18List list of airlines suspending Middle East routes amid war today
10:36 AM IST, Mar 18UAE to ease tax rules for expats leaving over Iran conflict
10:33 AM IST, Mar 18UAE air defences respond to incoming Iran threats for third time
10:28 AM IST, Mar 18Saudi Arabia intercepts three drones in eastern region
9:58 AM IST, Mar 18Saudi Arabia hosts ministerial meet in Riyadh to discuss regional security
9:53 AM IST, Mar 18Emirates, Etihad operate reduced flights amid airspace disruption
9:51 AM IST, Mar 18Top US counterterror chief resigns over Iran war, says no imminent threat
9:39 AM IST, Mar 18Japan warns US focus on Middle East could upset regional security balance
9:35 AM IST, Mar 18US-Iran war disrupts global flights, thousands stranded
9:28 AM IST, Mar 18Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel
9:25 AM IST, Mar 18Blast heard in Beirut after Israel's evacuation warning
9:14 AM IST, Mar 18Israel strikes Beirut’s Bachoura after evacuation warning
9:10 AM IST, Mar 18Kuwait downs drone as Gulf intercepts widen amid attacks
9:01 AM IST, Mar 18Qatar intercepts missile attack; blasts heard in Doha
8:59 AM IST, Mar 18Qatar Airways to resume limited flights from March 18 to 28
8:57 AM IST, Mar 18UAE issues fresh security alert after Iran threat
8:53 AM IST, Mar 18UAE to supply South Korea with 18 million barrels of extra crude
8:51 AM IST, Mar 18Blasts reported in Qatar’s capital Doha
8:50 AM IST, Mar 18Israel launches strikes on south Lebanon
8:39 AM IST, Mar 18US drops 5,000-pound bombs on Iranian sites near Hormuz
8:37 AM IST, Mar 18Middle East oil becomes world’s most expensive as war cuts supply
8:32 AM IST, Mar 18Iran foreign minister warns war’s global repercussions ‘will hit all’
8:28 AM IST, Mar 18UAE central bank unveils resilience package; banking liquidity nears $250 billion
8:27 AM IST, Mar 18Iranian projectile lands near Australian base in UAE
8:18 AM IST, Mar 18Iran ramps up attacks on Saudi Arabia; nearly 100 drones launched
8:07 AM IST, Mar 18UAE says drones incoming from Iran, defense systems intercepting missiles
7:37 AM IST, Mar 18Projectile hits near Bushehr nuclear plant
7:34 AM IST, Mar 18Iran army chief vows ‘decisive’ retaliation after Larijani killing
7:26 AM IST, Mar 18Saudi intercepts missile near Prince Sultan base housing US forces
7:25 AM IST, Mar 18UAE Foreign Minister offers condolences to victims of Iran’s ‘unprovoked terrorist attacks’
7:22 AM IST, Mar 18US pounds Iran missile sites near Strait of Hormuz
7:19 AM IST, Mar 18Israeli strikes hit central Beirut, kill six as raids target Hezbollah areas
7:18 AM IST, Mar 18Saudi to host Arab, Islamic foreign ministers meet on regional security
7:16 AM IST, Mar 18What was behind the UAE airspace closure amid Iran missile, drone threats?
7:07 AM IST, Mar 18Saudi Arabia downs ballistic missile near key US airbase, debris falls near Prince Sultan base
7:00 AM IST, Mar 18PM Modi speaks with UAE President, condemns attacks and stresses Strait of Hormuz security
6:35 AM IST, Mar 18UAE foreign minister holds calls with global counterparts on Iran strikes
6:33 AM IST, Mar 18UAE presidential adviser says Iran miscalculated, pushed Gulf closer to US, Israel

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news highlights: In the UAE, authorities said they were responding to incidents at the Habshan gas facilities and at the Bab oil field caused by falling debris from intercepted missiles. The gas facilities were shut down and no injuries were reported, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said....Read More

The Habshan complex, operated by Abu Dhabi state oil giant ADNOC, is one of the world's largest gas processing facilities, comprising five plants with a total capacity of 6.1 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd), according to ADNOC.

Missiles and drones continued to target United Arab Emirates and others parts of the Gulf on Wednesday as the US-Israeli war with Iran entered the 20th day.

Iran's retaliatory strikes in response to the February 28 US-Israeli operation that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rattled the entire Gulf, with drones, missiles as well as warnings being exchanged from both the sides.

Key points

- A loud bang was heard in Dubai, while authorities confirmed all air interception operations were successful with no injuries.

-Among the major latest interceptions and targets, an Iranian projectile struck near Australia’s Middle East military headquarters in the UAE, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

-Loud explosions were heard across Dubai early Wednesday as Iran continued retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf countries, alongside a fresh barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Israel and the region.

-Authorities in Dubai said air defence systems were activated in response to incoming Iranian missile and drone threats, adding that the UAE has faced over 2,000 such attacks since the conflict began.

-Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a ballistic missile near Prince Sultan Air Base and downed eight drones, while Kuwait responded to a rocket and drone attack. Qatar also said it intercepted a missile as blasts were heard in Doha.

-Several loud explosions were reported in Baghdad on Tuesday evening, AFP reported, as a security official confirmed a drone and rocket attack targeting the US embassy.

-Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Al-Kharj, with debris falling near Prince Sultan Air Base, home to US personnel, without causing damage, as Iran continued strikes on Gulf nations.

UAE response on Iran attacks

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a series of calls with foreign ministers and senior officials to discuss escalating regional developments and the fallout of Iran’s missile attacks targeting the UAE and other countries.

A senior adviser to the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, has said Iran misjudged its strikes on the UAE and other Gulf states, warning that the attacks are driving the region closer to Israel and the United States.

Gargash said the UAE is weighing a role alongside the US in safeguarding oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

“I can see us playing a role with other countries in ensuring the safety and security of the Strait of Hormuz,” Gargash told Bloomberg. “This is the responsibility not only of the United States, but of countries in Asia, countries in the region, countries in Europe,” he added.

Follow all the updates here:

Mar 18, 2026, 13:47:52 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE issues safety alert after intercepting Iranian missile, drone threats

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Authorities in the UAE issued a safety alert after initially assuring residents the situation was under control following incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

The Ministry of Defence said air defence systems engaged and intercepted the threats, prompting mobile alerts and advisories for residents to remain in safe locations.

Mar 18, 2026, 13:40:29 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys drone over Riyadh

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said it intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Riyadh region, amid heightened security concerns in the region.

Mar 18, 2026, 13:34:15 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE central bank unveils support package as Iran war strains markets

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The UAE’s central bank has introduced a resilience package to support banks and boost liquidity as the impact of the Iran war weighs on regional markets and investor sentiment.

The measures allow lenders to access up to 30% of their cash reserve requirement balances and tap term liquidity facilities in dirhams and US dollars, the bank said on Tuesday. The package also offers temporary relief on liquidity and stable funding ratios, alongside the release of key capital buffers to support the broader economy.

Additionally, banks will be permitted to delay classifying loans as non-performing for borrowers affected by the “extraordinary circumstances,” the central bank added.

Mar 18, 2026, 13:03:09 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Explosions heard in Erbil as projectiles intercepted over city

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: At least four explosions were reported in Erbil on Wednesday, with projectiles seen being intercepted over the city. The target was not immediately clear, though the area hosts a major US consulate and an airport used by US-led coalition forces.

Mar 18, 2026, 13:01:57 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia intercepts two drones targeting Riyadh diplomatic quarter

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two drones aimed at the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh, preventing any damage or casualties.

Mar 18, 2026, 12:59:03 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran to hold funerals for Larijani, Soleimani after Israeli strikes

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran will hold funerals on Wednesday for security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary force head Gholamreza Soleimani, both killed in Israeli air strikes.

Mar 18, 2026, 12:37:36 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iranian strike causes ‘minor damage’ at UAE base hosting Australian facilities

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: An Iranian projectile caused minor damage to buildings, including Australian accommodation and medical facilities, at Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

No Australian personnel were injured, with the damage limited to a small fire after the strike hit a road near the base. Australia has deployed missiles, a surveillance aircraft and troops to the region to support its nationals amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

Mar 18, 2026, 12:22:34 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran says stance on nuclear weapons unchanged

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran’s foreign minister said the country’s opposition to developing nuclear weapons is unlikely to change, while noting the new supreme leader has yet to publicly state his position.

Mar 18, 2026, 11:56:21 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Dubai confirms successful air interceptions, no injuries reported

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: “Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported,” the Dubai Media Office said on X.

Mar 18, 2026, 11:51:03 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE air defences intercept Iranian missiles and drones

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE's Ministry of Defence said in a statement on X, “The UAE's air defenses are currently dealing with missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran, and the Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, as well as fighter jets intercepting drones and loitering munitions".

Mar 18, 2026, 11:47:00 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Loud bang heard in Dubai

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Loud bang heard in Dubai, Reuters reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 11:35:53 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran strikes Israel, Gulf countries after killing of Ali Larijani

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran fired strikes toward Israel and Gulf countries early Wednesday, with blasts reported in the UAE and Qatar and interceptions in Saudi Arabia.

The escalation followed Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian figures, including Ali Larijani and Basij chief Gholam Reza Soleimani.

In Lebanon, Israeli air raids hit central Beirut, flattening a residential building in Bachoura and killing at least six people in earlier strikes, as attacks intensify beyond previously targeted areas.

Mar 18, 2026, 11:30:14 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Drone intercepted near Baghdad airport

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: A drone was intercepted near Baghdad airport on March 18, Al Jazeera reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 11:28:34 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Israeli strike kills 4 in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: At least four people were killed after Israeli forces struck four houses in Sahmar, a town in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 912 people and wounded 2,221 others.

Mar 18, 2026, 11:22:21 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran foreign minister blames US for war, acknowledges regional concern

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iran’s foreign minister said he understands the concern among regional countries but held the United States responsible for the war. He said the situation has escalated due to US actions, not Iran.

Mar 18, 2026, 10:57:05 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Israel orders evacuation of four south Lebanon villages

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The Israeli military has instructed residents of four villages in southern Lebanon, Khirbet Selm, Beit Yahoun, Sarafand and Deir Qanoun en-Nahr to leave their homes immediately and move north of the Zahrani River.

Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the warning comes ahead of planned Israeli attacks in the area.

Mar 18, 2026, 10:47:59 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Full list of airlines suspending Middle East routes amid war today

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: List of airlines suspending Middle East routes amid war today:

Aegean Airlines: Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman till April 22; Erbil, Baghdad till May 24; Dubai till April 19; Riyadh till April 18
airBaltic: Tel Aviv till April 5; Dubai till October 24
Air Canada: Tel Aviv till May 2; Dubai till March 28
Air Europa: Tel Aviv till April 10
Air France-KLM: Tel Aviv, Beirut till March 21; Dubai, Riyadh till March 20; KLM suspends additional routes till late March and winter season
Delta: Tel Aviv routes till March 31/April 1; extended suspension till August for some routes
Emirates: Operating reduced schedule
Etihad Airways: Operating limited flights from Abu Dhabi
IAG (British Airways): Abu Dhabi till later this year; other routes till late March
IndiGo: Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah till March 28
Lufthansa Group: Tel Aviv till April 2; multiple cities till March 28; Tehran till April 30
Pegasus: Multiple routes till April 12; Riyadh till March 23
Qatar Airways: Limited flights from March 18–28
Turkish Airlines: Multiple routes till March 19–20

Mar 18, 2026, 10:37:29 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran Guard says it struck over 100 targets in Tel Aviv in retaliation

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they hit more than 100 targets in Tel Aviv in response to the killing of former official Ali Larijani, describing the strikes as part of the “61st wave” of its ongoing retaliatory operation.

Mar 18, 2026, 10:36:06 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE to ease tax rules for expats leaving over Iran conflict

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The UAE is set to show leniency on tax rules for expatriates departing the country to avoid the Iran conflict, with flexibility expected around compliance requirements, according to Financial Times.

Mar 18, 2026, 10:33:24 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE air defences respond to incoming Iran threats for third time

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, marking the third such alert issued in recent hours, Al Jazeera reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 10:28:20 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia intercepts three drones in eastern region

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones in the country’s eastern region, Al Jazeera reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:58:01 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia hosts ministerial meet in Riyadh to discuss regional security

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia is hosting a consultative ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday, bringing together foreign ministers from several Arab and Islamic countries to coordinate efforts to support regional security and stability.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:53:36 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Emirates, Etihad operate reduced flights amid airspace disruption

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Emirates said it is running a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace, while Etihad Airways said it is operating a limited number of commercial flights between Abu Dhabi and key destinations.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:51:59 IST

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Top US counterterror chief resigns over Iran war, says no imminent threat

Dubai, Abu Dhabi news LIVE: A senior security official in US President Donald Trump’s administration resigned over the Iran war, saying Tehran posed no imminent threat to the United States. Joe Kent, who led the National Counterterrorism Center, became the first top official to step down over the conflict, now in its third week.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent wrote in a resignation letter shared on social media.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:39:52 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Japan warns US focus on Middle East could upset regional security balance

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Japan’s former defence minister Gen Nakatani said a shift of US resources to the Middle East conflict could upset the security balance around Japan.

He warned that changes in US military priorities may create risks, adding that Japan must strengthen its own deterrence and response capabilities to avoid unforeseen threats.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:35:36 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: US-Iran war disrupts global flights, thousands stranded

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE:Global air travel remains severely disrupted after the Iran war forced the closure of major hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, leaving tens of thousands stranded.

Aegean Airlines has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until April 22 and to Dubai until April 19, while airBaltic has suspended Tel Aviv routes until April 5 and Dubai until October 24. Air Canada has halted Tel Aviv flights until May 2 and Dubai until March 28, and Air Europa has cancelled Tel Aviv services until April 10.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:28:27 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran executed Kurosh Keyvani after he was found guilty of providing Israel’s Mossad with images and information about sensitive sites, according to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency, Reuters reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:25:15 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Blast heard in Beirut after Israel's evacuation warning

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Blast heard in Beirut after Israel's evacuation warning, AFP reported.

"The enemy targeted the threatened building in Bashoura", a central Beirut neighbourhood, the official National News Agency reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:14:34 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Israel strikes Beirut’s Bachoura after evacuation warning

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: An Israeli airstrike hit Beirut’s Bachoura neighbourhood, with a loud explosion heard in the area, after the military urged residents to evacuate a building ahead of the strike, Reuters reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:10:55 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Kuwait downs drone as Gulf intercepts widen amid attacks

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The Kuwait National Guard said it shot down an unmanned aircraft at dawn, hours after the army reported intercepting hostile missiles and drones, Al Jazeera reported.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have also reported similar interceptions in recent hours.

Mar 18, 2026, 09:01:54 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Qatar intercepts missile attack; blasts heard in Doha

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Qatar’s defence ministry said, "Armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar," shortly after blasts were heard in Doha, AFP reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:59:45 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Qatar Airways to resume limited flights from March 18 to 28

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Qatar Airways said it will operate a limited number of flights between March 18 and 28, adding that passengers can book tickets via its official website or mobile app.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:57:13 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE issues fresh security alert after Iran threat

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The UAE has issued a new security alert following an earlier reassurance to residents after a potential Iranian missile and drone threat, according to a Gulf Times report.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and rely only on verified updates, adding that precautionary measures are in place and the situation is being closely monitored.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:53:04 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE to supply South Korea with 18 million barrels of extra crude

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: South Korea’s presidential envoy Kang Hoon-sik said the UAE has pledged an additional 18 million barrels of crude oil along with a shipment of naphtha.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:51:53 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Blasts reported in Qatar’s capital Doha

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Explosions were heard in Doha, the capital of Qatar, AFP reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:50:13 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Israel launches strikes on south Lebanon

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The Israeli military said it had begun a “wave of strikes” on southern Lebanon after urging residents of Tyre and nearby camps to evacuate, claiming the action was in response to Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israeli territory, Al Jazeera reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:39:49 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: US drops 5,000-pound bombs on Iranian sites near Hormuz

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The US said it struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz using 5,000-pound “deep penetrator” bombs, calling the targets a threat to international shipping in the strategic waterway. Read more

Mar 18, 2026, 08:37:17 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Middle East oil becomes world’s most expensive as war cuts supply

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Middle East crude oil benchmarks have surged to record highs, becoming the world’s most expensive even as trading activity declines due to the Iran war.

The spike is raising costs for Asian refiners, forcing them to seek alternatives or cut output amid supply disruptions.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:32:26 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran foreign minister warns war’s global repercussions ‘will hit all’

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran foreign minister warns war’s global repercussions ‘will hit all’, AFP reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:28:40 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE central bank unveils resilience package; banking liquidity nears $250 billion

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The UAE central bank approved a comprehensive resilience package to strengthen financial stability, noting banks hold nearly $250 billion in liquidity.

The measures include greater access to reserve balances and term liquidity facilities in both dirhams and U.S. dollars.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:27:09 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iranian projectile lands near Australian base in UAE

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: An Iranian projectile struck near Australia’s Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, causing minor damage to an accommodation block and medical facility, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, adding that all personnel are safe, AFP reported.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:18:10 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran ramps up attacks on Saudi Arabia; nearly 100 drones launched

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran has intensified its offensive against Saudi Arabia, launching nearly 100 drones in a single day, far exceeding earlier daily averages and marking the largest strike since the conflict began, Bloomberg reported.

The attacks have increasingly targeted the kingdom’s oil-rich eastern province, highlighting risks to critical energy infrastructure and key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Mar 18, 2026, 08:07:16 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE says drones incoming from Iran, defense systems intercepting missiles

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The Ministry of Defence in UAE said, "UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drone".

Mar 18, 2026, 07:37:34 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Projectile hits near Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: A projectile struck an area near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening but caused no damage or injuries, Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reuters reported.

The UN nuclear watchdog said it had been informed of the impact, adding that the facility and staff were unharmed. The incident came in the third week of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Mar 18, 2026, 07:34:05 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran army chief vows ‘decisive’ retaliation after Larijani killing

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami warned of a “decisive and regrettable” response to the killing of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli air strike.

In a statement, Hatami said Iran’s retaliation for the assassination of the Supreme National Security Council secretary would be firm, as the Revolutionary Guards said they had launched missiles at central Israel “in revenge for the blood of martyr Dr Ali Larijani and his companions.”

Mar 18, 2026, 07:26:42 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi intercepts missile near Prince Sultan base housing US forces

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Al-Kharj, with debris falling near Prince Sultan Air Base, home to US personnel, without causing damage, as Iran continued strikes on Gulf nations.

Mar 18, 2026, 07:25:21 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE Foreign Minister offers condolences to victims of Iran’s ‘unprovoked terrorist attacks’

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed “sincere condolences and deep sympathy” to families of those killed in what he called Iran’s “unprovoked terrorist attacks” targeting the UAE.

He said the victims, nationals of Palestine, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, lost their lives in “blatant attacks,” and wished a “swift and full recovery” to all those injured.

Mar 18, 2026, 07:22:28 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: US pounds Iran missile sites near Strait of Hormuz

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: The US said it struck Iranian missile sites near the strategic Strait of Hormuz after Tehran launched missiles across the region, vowing to avenge the killing of a top security chief, AFP reported.

Two people were killed in Israel in the latest barrage, though its air defences have largely limited casualties since the conflict escalated.

Amid Iran’s moves to largely shut the vital oil corridor, which handles a fifth of global supply, the US said it deployed some of its heaviest bunker-busting bombs to target nearby missile facilities.

Mar 18, 2026, 07:19:39 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Israeli strikes hit central Beirut, kill six as raids target Hezbollah areas

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: At least six people were killed in two Israeli strikes on central Beirut early Wednesday, Lebanon said, as local media reported additional raids on Hezbollah strongholds in the city’s southern suburbs, AFP reported.

One strike hit an apartment in the Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhood, an area previously targeted due to a Hezbollah-linked financial firm. The densely populated district lies near government headquarters and several embassies.

Mar 18, 2026, 07:18:23 IST

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi to host Arab, Islamic foreign ministers meet on regional security

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Saudi Arabia said it will host a consultative meeting of foreign ministers from several Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh on Wednesday evening to discuss efforts to support regional security and stability, Reuters reported.