Dubai news updates: Loud explosions were heard across Dubai once again, with authorities clarifying that the sounds were a result of “successful interceptions” by the country’s air defence systems. In an early Tuesday statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems were actively engaging Iranian drones and missiles within national airspace. Officials reassured residents that the blasts heard were linked to ongoing defence operations and not direct strikes.
UAE Opens Airspace As Iran Continues To Attack With Drones, Missiles
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has opened the airspace after temporarily closing it earlier.
Earlier, GCAA said the decision to close the airspace was taken in response to the situation following a “comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks,” in coordination with national and international agencies.
Authorities in Dubai confirm that the sounds heard in various areas of the city are the result of successful interceptions.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Fujairah Oil Industry Attacked With Drones Again, Massive Fire Erupts
A drone strike triggered a fire in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates, the emirate’s media office said on Tuesday, citing officials. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident.
In a statement, the media office added that civil defence teams had been deployed and were actively working to contain the blaze.
Iranian Drone Strike Targets Shah Gas Field Near Abu Dhabi
One of the latest reported drone strikes targeted the Shah oil and gas field near Abu Dhabi. According to the Dubai Media Office, operations at the high-sulfur gas facility were suspended amid rapidly changing regional security conditions.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident at the facility, which is located approximately 180 km southwest of the capital and is considered one of the world’s largest natural gas fields.
Fire at Dubai International Airport After Drone Strike
On Monday, a major fire broke out near Dubai International Airport following a drone strike. The Dubai Media Office, in a statement posted on X, said, “Civil Defense teams have confirmed that the fire in a fuel tank in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport has been extinguished. Cooling operations are now underway.”
Visuals of the blaze circulated widely, showing flames engulfing the area before emergency teams brought the situation under control.
Dubai: The scale of fire at Dubai International Airport’s fuel storage area after Iranian strike. pic.twitter.com/jlzIwNOwyl
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 16, 2026
Authorities said Dubai Civil Defence units were deployed immediately to tackle the fire. No injuries were reported, with safety protocols swiftly activated across the affected area.
The drone strike also disrupted air traffic, with several flights forced to turn back mid-air. Airport authorities confirmed that some flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport, while operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
