Iran Launches Massive Barrage at UAE; Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports Closed

tIran has intensified its retaliatory missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a third consecutive day, targeting civilian and military sites in response to ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.

The assaults, part of a broader campaign against Gulf states hosting U.S. assets, have caused explosions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, leading to casualties and infrastructure damage.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, Iran fired 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones at the country.

While most were intercepted, debris from the projectiles struck several locations, including Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, and luxury hotels such as the Fairmont Palm and Burj Al Arab.

Reports indicate three people—migrant workers from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh—were killed, and 58 others injured due to falling debris.

The strikes have disrupted daily life and commerce in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports remain closed or operating at reduced capacity, with over 3,400 flights canceled across the region.

Panic buying has been reported in Dubai, with quiet streets and long queues at petrol stations reflecting heightened unease.

Additionally, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center in the UAE was struck by unidentified objects, causing a fire and temporary service disruptions, though other zones remain operational.

In response, the UAE has condemned the attacks as a "blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law," summoning Iran's ambassador and closing its embassy in Tehran while recalling its own diplomats.

Schools and universities have shifted to remote learning nationwide.

The Iranian strikes extend beyond the UAE, affecting Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, and other nations, with reports of similar explosions and interceptions.

Tehran claims the operations target U.S. military assets in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other leaders during Operation Epic Fury.

International reactions vary. Somalia condemned Iran's attacks on several Gulf states but notably excluded the UAE from its statement, citing strained bilateral ties.

The UK is planning mass evacuations of its citizens from the region amid airport closures.

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As tensions escalate, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to "avenge" American service members killed in the conflict, signaling continued military operations.

The situation remains fluid, with further strikes reported in Ras Al Khaimah and other UAE areas.

Updates are expected as the conflict unfolds.