Dubai news highlights: Explosions near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi; one missile and 6 drones hit UAE

Dubai news highlights: As the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran spilled over to the Middle East, the UAE's ministry of defence said that its Air Defences have so far intercepted 876 drones, 175 ballistic missiles and eight cruise missiles.

Dubai news; Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, as seen from Doha, Qatar, (REUTERS)

Dubai news highlights: The updates to this live blog have ended. Fresh explosions were reportedly heard in Qatar's Doha and Bahrain's Manama on Thursday, as tensions intensified between the US and Iran, further widening the conflict in the Middle East region. Situation between Tehran and Washington boiled over to another level after the sinking of an Iranian warship by a US submarine in the waters near Sri Lanka on Wednesday....Read More

Follow all the updates here:

• 6 Mar 2026, 08:01:14 AM IST

  The updates to this live blog have ended. Our latest coverage has moved here.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:32:20 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Is Dubai airspace open?

  Dubai news LIVE: The Dubai airspace remains closed, as per AP.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:22:21 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: 2 Kuwaiti soldiers killed in strikes

  Dubai news LIVE: Two Kuwaiti troops were killed on Thursday in Iranian retaliatory strikes, AP reported.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:20:14 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: One missile and 6 drones hit UAE

  Dubai news LIVE: The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry said Thursday that one ballistic missile and six drones hit the country’s territory. The ministry also said it repelled six missiles and 131 drones Thursday, and hundreds since the start of the war. Earlier this week, shrapnel from the interception of cruise missiles killed three residents, and falling shrapnel in past days has wounded 94, it said.

• 5 Mar 2026, 11:57:03 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Kuwait faces fresh attacks

  Dubai news LIVE: The Kuwait army on Thursday said it was facing fresh attacks and its air defense system was intercepting missile attacks and drones. “The General Staff of the Army announces that the Kuwaiti air defenses are currently dealing with missile attacks and drones in the airspace of the State of Kuwait, and the armed forces note that the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of the air defenses intercepting the missile attacks and drones,” it said on X.

• 5 Mar 2026, 11:38:47 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Air India, Air India Express resume services from Jeddah, Muscat

  Dubai news LIVE: Air India and Air India Express airlines have announced to resume services to and from Jeddah and Muscat. “With the airspaces over Saudi Arabia and Oman remaining open and assessed as safe for operations, Air India and Air India Express have resumed services to and from Jeddah and Muscat,” the group said in a statement on Thursday.

• 5 Mar 2026, 11:32:20 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: India issues advisory for citizens in UAE

  Dubai news LIVE: India on Thursday issued an advisory for its citizens in the United Arab Emirates asking them to remain vigilant, calm and adhere to the safety guidelines of the local authorities in view of the prevailing situation in the region. "The Government of India continues to attach highest importance to safety and well being of the Indians abroad and is monitoring developments at the highest level," said the advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai remain in close touch with the UAE authorities and the community leaders to ensure well being of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, it said. "In view of the prevailing situation in the UAE and the region, all Indian Nationals currently in the UAE are advised to continue to remain vigilant, calm, adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE authorities and also follow official advisories issued from time to time," it said.

  via PTI

• 5 Mar 2026, 10:48:53 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Some UAE residents get safety alert

  UAE's Ministry of Interior sent out an alert to some residents, thanking them for their cooperation.

  "We reassure you that the situation is currently safe, the ministry of interior alert said, Khaleej Times reported.

  It said those residents may resume normal activities while remaining cautious and taking necessary precautions.

• 5 Mar 2026, 10:27:54 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Nearly 7,000 Indians stranded in the UAE flown back home

  Nearly 7,000 Indians stranded in the UAE have been flown home over the past three days as airlines work to restore flight operations disrupted by the exceptional security circumstances gripping the region, Khaleej Times reported.

• 5 Mar 2026, 10:16:07 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Explosions heard near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi

  Explosions have been heard near the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Reuters reported.

• 5 Mar 2026, 09:44:28 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UAE asks citizens to take shelter

  UAE Ministry of Interior has sounded an emergency alert across the emirates. The alert says that "due to potential missile threats", residents should "seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building".

  Residents have been urged to stay away from windows, doors, and open areas.

• 5 Mar 2026, 09:22:57 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Death toll in Lebanon now over 100

  Lebanon’s Ministry of Health has released the latest death and injury figures from Israel’s bombing campaign.

  Since Monday, Israeli strikes have killed 102 people and wounded 638 more, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported.

  The ministry warned the toll is likely to rise as hospitals receive more wounded people.

• 5 Mar 2026, 09:04:14 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Blasts heard in Abu Dhabi

  Residents in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi reported hearing a series of loud explosions on Thursday, with UAE air defences responding to a missile threat as Iran pressed on with its retaliation campaign in the Gulf.

  "Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat," the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said in a statement on X. Abu Dhabi residents said they heard numerous heavy explosions.

• 5 Mar 2026, 09:00:39 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UAE intercepting more missiles and drones

  Air defence systems in the UAE are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, the Ministry of Defence has said.

  In a brief statement on X, the ministry instructed the public to adhere to safety and security measures.

• 5 Mar 2026, 08:12:48 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: White House says US navy to begin escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz ‘if necessary’

  President Trump has stated he will task the US Navy with “escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz” if necessary, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

  Iran’s IRGC has declared the strategic waterway closed during the war and threatened to attack passing vessels.

  Leavitt also said Trump has announced that crude oil carriers and cargo ships moving in or near the Gulf region would be eligible for political risk insurance from the United States Development Finance Corporation, “at a very reasonable price”.

• 5 Mar 2026, 08:00:54 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UK embassy says 'temporarily' withdrawing some staff from Bahrain

  The United Kingdom said on Thursday it was "temporarily" withdrawing some staff and their dependents from its Bahrain embassy as Iran presses on with its retaliation campaign in the Gulf.

  "Due to the ongoing security situation, the UK has taken the precautionary step of temporarily withdrawing some Embassy staff" and their families, it said in a statement on Instagram.

  "Our Embassy continues to operate," it said, adding that "the situation is serious and we do not expect it to end in the coming days".

• 5 Mar 2026, 07:39:59 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: CBSE cancels class 10 boards in Middle East, postpone class 12 exam

  The CBSE has cancelled the class 10 board exams scheduled till March 11 in the Middle East, PTI reported, saying that the board will announce the mode of result declaration.

  The board also postponed the Class 12 board exam scheduled on March 7 in the region.

• 5 Mar 2026, 07:31:34 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: WHO suspends operations in Dubai

  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended operations at the emergency logistics hub in Dubai, Khaleej Times reported

• 5 Mar 2026, 07:26:05 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UN says 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise passengers stuck

  The UN shipping regulator has said that 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise passengers are currently stuck in the Gulf, AFP reported.

• 5 Mar 2026, 07:13:25 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Iran says it attacked US base in Iraq's Erbil

  Iran’s military has said that it has attacked a base hosting US troops in Erbil in northern Iraq using drones, the Tasnim news agency reported.

  “Significant damage” was caused in the attack, the agency reported.

• 5 Mar 2026, 07:06:51 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: How UAE umrah travellers returned amid airspace closure

  As commercial flight disruptions continue due to the US-Iran war, some UAE residents returning from Umrah had to rely on road travel and the help of friends to return home.

• 5 Mar 2026, 07:04:49 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Flydubai resumes limited operations

  Flydubai has resumed operations across its network with a reduced schedule, a spokesperson was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

  "We are continuously updating our schedule and adding more flights as airspace restrictions are lifted. We continue to monitor the situation closely," the spokesperson added.

  The airline also warned that flight durations may be longer than usual due to the temporary rerouting of some flight paths.

  Customers have been advised not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or official confirmation of a rebooked flight.

• 5 Mar 2026, 06:55:13 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: EU, GCC call for 'dialogue and diplomacy'

  The EU and the GCC have issued a joint statement urging “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the ongoing war.

  “The ministers reiterated their commitment to ‌regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law,” said the EU and GCC following ⁠a videoconference of European ⁠and Gulf Foreign Ministers.

  “The ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as ⁠means to resolve the crisis,” they said, ⁠adding that they ⁠agreed on “joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution” to prevent Iran from ‌acquiring a nuclear weapon and “ultimately allow the Iranian people to determine ‌their ‌future”.

• 5 Mar 2026, 06:47:14 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Tourism on hold as US-Iran war casts uncertainty

  Cancelled flights, postponed trips and a great deal of uncertainty: the war in the Middle East is casting a long shadow over the tourism outlook for a region that has become a prized destination for travellers worldwide.

  Across the world, tour operators are scrambling to find solutions for clients stranded in the region or who had trips planned there.

• 5 Mar 2026, 06:40:11 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Dubai announces Spring break for private institutions till March 23

  According to the Dubai Media Office, the Spring Break for students, as well as teaching and administrative staff in all private educational institutions in Dubai, will begin on Monday, March 9, and continue until Sunday, March 22, 2026. Classes and work will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.

• 5 Mar 2026, 06:10:06 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Powerful explosions in Israel

  Israeli media is reporting that a series of powerful explosions have been heard in central Israel as defence systems intercepted missiles launched from Iran.

• 5 Mar 2026, 06:06:07 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Iran says it launched drone attack on US base in Kuwait

  Iran has said that it has launched further drone attacks against US forces at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, according to the Tasnim news agency.

• 5 Mar 2026, 05:57:10 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: The Dubai dilemma over Iranian attacks

  Dubai being heavily targeted is forcing the Emiratis and other Gulf states into a dilemma: Should they respond in kind, in effect joining the US-Israeli attack on Iran? Or should they sit back and take it? That’s not an easy choice.

• 5 Mar 2026, 05:51:35 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UAE says one missile, six drones fell inside the country

  The UAE’s Defence Ministry is saying that one missile and six drones fell inside the country.

  Earlier, Abu Dhabi’s media office said six people were injured by falling debris from drones that were intercepted by air defence systems over Abu Dhabi.

• 5 Mar 2026, 05:44:38 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Iran death toll rises to 1,230, say officials

  Dubai news LIVE: As the US-Israel and Iran conflict enters its sixth day, Iran has stated that over 1,200 people have been killed. As per the latest death toll, a total of 1,230 people have been killed across Iran due to the joint US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.

• 5 Mar 2026, 05:35:29 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UAE intercepts over 1,000 drones since start of US-Iran conflict

  Dubai news LIVE: The United Arab Emirates has intercepted over 1,000 Iranian drones since the start of the conflict in West Asia. In a statement issued by the country's defence ministry, since the start of the conflict on February 28, the UAE said it intercepted 1071 drones, of which 1001 of them were intercepted, while 71 drones fell in the country's territory.

  On Thursday, UAE air defences intercepted 131 drones, of which six fell within the country's territory. Seven ballistic missiles were also intercepted, of which one fell on UAE territory.

• 5 Mar 2026, 05:14:23 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UAE says it intercepted 6 missiles, 125 drones

  Dubai news LIVE: The UAE defence ministry on Thursday said it intercepted 6 ballistic missiles and 125 drones.

• 5 Mar 2026, 05:02:21 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Extra mobile data plan announced for UAE nationals stranded outside amid US-Iran war

  Dubai news LIVE: Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) on Thursday announced it is offering free 15GB data and unlimited outgoing calls to UAE residents who are stranded outside the country due to flight suspensions.

  As per Khaleej Times, the UAE’s second telecom operator sent message sent out to its customers in the UAE, saying it has activated a free 15GB roaming data bundle for its customers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with unlimited outgoing calls and 500 incoming minutes.

  This special offer is valid for three days, starting Thursday

• 5 Mar 2026, 04:56:16 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: UK advises against non-essential travel to the UAE

  Dubai news LIVE: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK has advised British nationals against all non-essential travel to the United Arab Emirates. This travel advisory comes amid the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel and Iran.

  “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information,” states FCDO.

• 5 Mar 2026, 04:29:15 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Indian man injured after attack on Abu Dhabi airport

  Dubai news LIVE: A man from India's Telangana suffered minor injuries after the attack by Iran near the Abu Dhabi airport.

  Speaking to news agency PTI, N Rajeswara Rao, a native of Pothireddypalle village in Rajanna Sircilla district, was injured in the incident.

  Rao, who works in the housekeeping section at the airport, informed his parents that he and several others escaped with minor injuries.

  "My son has been working there for a year. He works at the airport. He sustained injuries in the attack. He spoke to us over a video call, but he is not showing us the injuries. I want my son to return home soon," Prabhakar Rao told PTI Videos.

• 5 Mar 2026, 04:14:31 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: India issues fresh advisory for nationals in UAE

  Dubai news LIVE: in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, India has issued a fresh advisory for nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates.

  In this notice, Indian nationals have been advised to reach out to Indian and UAE airlines that are carrying out limited operations to evacuate passengers out of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other UAE city.

  Furthermore, fines for expired visas and those overstaying in the UAE from February 28, 2026, onwards, have been waived off.

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:55:42 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: 6 injured due to sharpnel in Abu Dhabi

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Abu Dhabi has stated at least six people have been injured due to the fall of shrapnel at two sites in the Ikad 2 area, following the successful interception by air defenses of a drone.

  "We urge the public to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified information, authorities said.

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:50:33 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Iran has not requested weapons from Russia, says Kremlin

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Iran has not approached Russia with a request for arms supplies, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

  Asked by a reporter on Thursday whether Russia intends to provide material help to Iran, including arms deliveries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters:

  “In this case, there were no requests from the Iranian side. Our consistent position is well known to everyone, and there have been no changes in this regard.”
  
  (via Reuters)

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:45:53 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: France allows use of Middle East bases to US amid war with Iran

  Dubai news LIVE updates: France, on Thursday, has allowed US aircraft on some of its bases in the Middle East during the conflict with Iran.

  "As part of our relations with the United States, the presence of their aircraft has been temporarily authorised on our bases" in the region, a spokeswoman for the military general staff told AFP.

  "These aircraft contribute to the protection of our partners in the Gulf."

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:40:47 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: UK defence minister in Cyprus after attack on British base

  Dubai news LIVE updates: UK defence minister John Healey arrived in Cyprus on Thursday, following a drone strike on a UK air base on the Mediterranean island.

  In a statement, Healey said he held a meeting with his counterpart in Cyprus. The two leader discussed how the UK can further “reinforce air defences to support shared security.”

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:36:46 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Passengers from Dubai describe contrasting situations as UAE sees Iranian attacks

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Passengers arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport from Dubai on Thursday described contrasting situations in the UAE.

  Speaking to ANI, passenger Rahul Saxena, who arrived at IGI Airport from Dubai, said there is a situation of panic in the region.

  "There is a situation of panic there. The sooner the government evacuates everyone, the better," Saxena said.

  However, another passenger, Gautam Gupta, who arrived in Delhi from Dubai, said everything is normal in Dubai and they did not face any difficulties.

  "Everything is normal in Dubai. We did not face any difficulties. The prices of the flights have increased," Gupta said.

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:32:16 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Over 100 Emirates to depart from Dubai and return on March 5 to 6.

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Amid the airspace restrictions, Emirates as states it will operate over 100 flights to and from Dubai. These flights are scheduled for March 5 and 6.

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:05:10 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Qatar intercepts missile attack, says defence ministry.

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Qatar has stated it was subject to missile attacks on Thursday. A statement from the country's defence ministry said its air defence systems have been activated and are intercepting the attack.

  This confirmation comes after columns of black smoke were seen in the Qatari capital Doha.

• 5 Mar 2026, 03:01:08 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Column of black smoke seen on Doha horizon after explosion, reports AFP

  A column of black smoke is being seen on Doha's horizon following explosions, AFP reported, citing its journalists.

  Doha has been a target of Iranian strikes since the conflict triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran spilt into the Middle East region.

• 5 Mar 2026, 02:48:25 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: 40 flights cancelled at India's Delhi airport

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Amid the airspace restrictions in the wake of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, 40 flights have been cancelled at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in India's Delhi on Thursday.

  Additionally, three repatriation flights have been planned for the day.

• 5 Mar 2026, 02:38:01 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Another round of explosions heard over Qatar's Doha, says report

  Another round of explosions were heard over the Qatar's capital, Doha, on Thursday, AFP reported, citing its journalists.

  Earlier, explosions were reportedly heard in Doha and Bahrain's Manama.

• 5 Mar 2026, 02:25:28 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: 30 flights cancelled at India's Bengaluru airport amid airspace curbs

  Dubai news LIVE updates: As many as 30 flights have been cancelled at the Bengaluru airport in India's Karnataka on Thursday amid continued airspace restrictions triggered by the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

  Fourteen arrivals and 16 departures have been cancelled in Bengaluru.

• 5 Mar 2026, 02:12:44 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Iran says its navy struck US oil tanker in Persian Gulf, says report

  Dubai news LIVE updates: After the sinking of an Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly claimed that it had struck an American oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf.

  Iran's Mehr news agency reported an IRGC statement which claimed that the Iranian Navy struck the US oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf early on Thursday, setting it on fire.

• 5 Mar 2026, 02:07:01 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: India's PM Modi says 'military conflict can't fix any issue'

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Amid the ongoing US-Iran tensions and the wider conflict in West Asia, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that New Delhi believes in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy.

  He affirmed that military conflict is not the resolution to any issue.

  "India and Finland believe in rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. Only military conflict cannot solve any issue, whether it is Ukraine or West Asia. We are both convinced that global institutions need urgent reform,” PM Modi said during a joint presser with the President of Finland in New Delhi.

• 5 Mar 2026, 01:53:15 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: US' Level 3 security alert remains in place in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar

  In its latest security alert updates, the US State Department said that a Level 3 alert -- "Reconsider Travel" remains in place in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

  Meanwhile, a Level 4 security alert -- "Do not travel" is in place in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.