The United Arab Emirates became a focal point in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran as retaliatory strikes from Tehran targeted several countries in the Middle East, with the UAE reportedly destroying 172 ballistic missiles and intercepting 817 drones over the weekend.
Iranian strikes targeting the UAE have left three dead, including a Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi national, the Khaleej Times reported. Authorities also reported 58 other cases of minor injuries, involving citizens and residents of multiple nations, including India. Follow Dubai-Abu Dhabi news live updates
Iran began launching retaliatory strikes against several countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region after joint strikes by the US and Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend.
Missile and drone attacks from Iran towards the UAE have been massive to the extent that satellite images showed thick black smoke rising over parts of Dubai, reflecting a drastic change in the city's skyline.
Images from February 24 showed Dubai's glittering towers, highways and artificial islands under clear skies, while by March 1, dark clouds of smoke could be seen in the satellite imagery.
{{/usCountry}}Images from February 24 showed Dubai's glittering towers, highways and artificial islands under clear skies, while by March 1, dark clouds of smoke could be seen in the satellite imagery.
{{/usCountry}}Track US-Iran war news live updates
On Sunday, the UAE Air Defence Forces intercepted 311 drones, destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, downed eight into the sea, and destroyed two cruise missiles, the Khaleej Times reported. However, 21 drones reportedly struck civilian targets.
On Saturday, as many as 165 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward the UAE and detected by the country's air defence systems. Of these, 152 missiles were destroyed, while 13 fell into the sea. Two cruise missiles were detected and eliminated.
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The UAE Air Defence Forces also reportedly detected 541 Iranian drones on Saturday, intercepted and destroyed 506, while 35 drones reached the country's territory and caused material damage.
Civilian properties suffered minor to moderate material damage from the intercepted missiles and drones, the UAE's defence ministry said.
The ministry asserted that the UAE remained on high alert and prepared to respond to any threats, confirming the safety of its citizens, residents, tourists and visitors. The ministry also urged the public to trust only official sources for information and avoid circulating unverified reports.
Meanwhile, the Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, suffered partial damage due to a suspected aerial attack on one of its main terminal buildings.
Several Indian nationals are also stuck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including actors Sonal Chauhan and Subhashree Ganguly, and badminton star PV Sindhu.
Several blasts and explosions were heard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Manama and Doha amid continued Iranian strikes. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion in Dubai on Monday morning.