Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE Updates: Missile alert in Dubai today amid Iranian attacks; Saudi Arabia downs 10 drones

Dubai Abu Dhabi News LIVE Updates: Missile alerts were sent to mobile phones in Dubai on Friday morning as authorities said that air defences were intercepting incoming Iranian attacks, according to a report by Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its air defences shot down 10 additional drones targeting the kingdom’s Eastern and Central Provinces, bringing the total to nearly 50 drones entering Saudi airspace within a few hours.

This wave represents an unusually high number of aerial threats, as sites including the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, oil infrastructure, and a military base hosting U.S. troops have been targeted amid the escalating conflict involving Iran.

In Dubai, thick black smoke was seen over the skyline early Friday following what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area. An Associated Press journalist observed the blaze in the Al Quoz neighbourhood, where bystanders gathered. Police prevented the journalist from approaching the site, located in a cul-de-sac.

The Dubai Media Office clarified that the fire was caused by debris from a successful missile interception, resulting in a minor incident on a building’s façade in central Dubai. No injuries were reported, although the smoke was visible across the skyline, reaching as far as the iconic Burj al-Arab hotel.

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Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Government employees in Dubai will receive a four-day holiday to mark Eid Al Fitr, according to an official circular issued by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department.

The announcement was reported by Gulf News, citing the circular that confirmed the extended break for public sector employees in the emirate.

Approximately 9,000 American citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates have opted to remain in the country despite the US government offering to arrange charter evacuation flights, The Gulf News reported.

Qatar has advised residents to refrain from filming or sharing images and videos from accident sites or ongoing emergency response operations.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said that circulating such content — especially unverified photos or videos — on social media could lead to legal accountability.

Bahrain has intercepted 191 drones and 115 missiles since the start of the Iranian attacks, the Kingdom's Defence Force said.

Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: Jordan’s King Abdullah II and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation on Friday to discuss the ongoing dangerous escalation in the region, according to the Jordan News Agency.

A powerful blast shook buildings in Dubai’s financial hub, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), on Friday morning following an aerial interception, officials confirmed. Videos circulating on social media showed a thick cloud of smoke rising above the skyline shortly after the incident.

A flight operated by Emirates from Dubai arrived at Chennai International Airport early hours on Friday with a delay of about one hour after its departure was postponed.

Flight EK 0542 departed late from Dubai airport due to air clearance procedures amid heightened tension in the West Asian region, according to passengers. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Chennai.

Speaking to ANI, Messool, a passenger (a student studying medicine) travelling from Dubai, said that due to the current war-related tensions, educational institutions had been conducting online classes for the past week. He said Ramadan holidays had also been announced earlier, and students were advised to remain cautious.

"We heard interception sounds at times and were asked to stay safe. Online classes will continue from March 23rd until the situation returns to normal," he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed Pakistan's "full solidarity" with Saudi Arabia as the West Asia crisis escalates, PTI reported.

The meeting was held on Thursday after PM Sharif dashed to Saudi Arabia in the wake of deteriorating situation in West Asia following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. (PTI)

A building in central Dubai was hit by debris from an intercepted attack, the government media office said, after blasts shook the Middle East financial hub.

Explosions rattled buildings in Dubai and a large cloud of smoke hung over a central area of the city, AFP correspondents said.

A building at the Dubai International Financial Center also sustained damage when hit with debris from what authorities described as a “successful interception,” as reported by AP.

Iran has been attacking oil and other infrastructur e around the Gulf region, and on Friday Saudi Arabia that it had downed nearly 50 drones sent in multiple waves throughout the early morning hours, AP reported.

"The competent authorities have confirmed that a minor incident, resulting from the fall of shrapnel due to an air interception, is being handled on the facade of one of the buildings in central Dubai, with no injuries recorded," said Dubai Media House in a post on X.

Iran has been attacking oil and other infrastructur e around the Gulf region, and on Friday Saudi Arabia that it had downed nearly 50 drones sent in multiple waves throughout the early morning hours, AP reported.

Dubai Police said in a post on X, "Your safety comes first. If you hear an emergency alert while driving, continue driving calmly and do not stop or film. Follow official instructions to keep yourself and everyone safe."

Amid the Middle East conflict, Iran had launched drone and missile attacks on Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), mainly in retaliation for a wider conflict that began after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain warning of incoming fire from Dubai, and black smoke billowed from an industrial area after authorities said debris from an interception had sparked a blaze, AP reported.

Thick black smoke rose over Dubai’s skyline early Friday after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state, AP reported.

Iran launched several attacks early Friday against Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones targeting Saudi Arabia, after its new supreme leader warned countries about hosting American bases. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened significant new retaliation. (AP)

US President Trump issues new threat about Iran: ‘Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today’.

A missile alert sounded on mobile phones in Dubai on Friday morning as authorities said air defenses were targeting incoming Iranian fire.

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