Breaking: UAE, Qatar War Escalates! LIVE Updates on Drone Attack Targeting US Base & Over 19,000 Flights Cancelled
On March 4, fire and smoke were reported in Fujairah’s oil industry zone in the UAE, following a drone interception amid the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran. The UAE’s defense ministry confirmed that it successfully repelled six ballistic missiles and 131 drones targeting its territory on Thursday. Witnesses near Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport reported explosions, with some international facilities, including hotels in Dubai, sustaining damage. Tourists and travelers found themselves stranded due to numerous flight cancellations stemming from the ongoing regional conflict.
The situation is not isolated to the UAE. Other Gulf nations, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, have also experienced similar incidents as Iran retaliates against perceived threats to its interests. In a late Thursday call, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, conversed with Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman. They discussed the recent “blatant attacks” on various Gulf states since Iran escalated retaliatory strikes following a joint US-Israeli military operation against Tehran.
Kuwait activated its air defenses on the evening of March 5 after several missiles were detected in its airspace, with the Kuwaiti army indicating that sounds reported across the country were the result of successful interceptions. Amid these escalations, the US State Department announced it had suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait, emphasizing that while no US personnel had been harmed, the safety of Americans abroad is a top priority. The department is ramping up charter flight operations from the region to assist citizens looking to return home, particularly in response to criticism of previous evacuation efforts.
In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the US had requested assistance in drone protection against Iranian threats. He vowed to provide necessary resources and Ukrainian specialists to ensure adequate security in the Middle East.
As the chaos continues, airlines have begun operating limited relief flights. IndiGo plans to run 17 flights to various parts of the Middle East, while Air India Express will continue its operations from Muscat and additional flights from Dubai. Etihad Airways has announced a resumption of commercial flights between March 6 and 19, connecting Abu Dhabi with key destinations, including Cairo, Delhi, and New York.
The conflict’s ripple effects are substantial, with over 19,000 flights canceled across seven major Middle East airports since the US-Israel strikes began on February 28. Major disruptions have led to significant economic ramifications, with jet fuel prices soaring as oil prices remain volatile due to tensions in the region.
As the situation progresses, the UAE is also reportedly considering freezing Iranian assets as part of its response to ongoing hostilities. With Iranian and US military activities intensifying and regional ramifications expanding, updates will continue to unfold, affecting both local residents and international travelers.
This crisis illustrates the volatile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and its far-reaching implications for global travel and security. The unfolding events underscore the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to avert further escalation and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/dubai-abu-dhabi-news-uae-live-updates-us-iran-war-missiles-drones-strike-flight-status-emirates-etihad-gulf-israel-101772759034201.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-06 11:29:00
