The United Arab Emirates reported multiple waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks, with falling debris killing one civilian and forcing the suspension of airport operations in Dubai, authorities said.
The UAE Ministry of Defense said the UAE had been subjected to a “blatant attack” involving Iranian ballistic missiles, adding that the country’s air defense systems intercepted several of the incoming missiles.
“The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the UAE today was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles, noting that UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles,” the ministry said in a statement.
Authorities said debris from intercepted missiles fell in residential areas, causing material damage. “As a result of falling debris, one civilian of Asian nationality was killed,” the ministry said.
The UAE condemned the attack as a “gross violation of national sovereignty and international law,” adding that it “reserves the full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to preserve its sovereignty, security and stability.”
The ministry later said a new wave of Iranian missiles had also been successfully intercepted.
Witnesses posted videos on social media showing falling debris and fires in Dubai. Airport operations in the emirate were suspended for an indefinite period, authorities said.
Dubai Airports said flight operations at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport had been halted.
“Operations at DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice,” Dubai Airports said in a statement, urging passengers not to travel to the airports and to check flight information with their airlines.
Thousands of passengers were left stranded as local police and airlines worked to organise evacuations, according to media reports.
The UAE defense ministry said intercepted missiles’ debris fell across several areas in Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Baniyas, Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Falah.