Several loud explosions were reported in Dubai in the early hours of Wednesday, as Iran intensified its retaliatory strikes across Gulf countries. Tehran has launched a broader offensive involving a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Israel and regional allies. The United States embassy in Baghdad was also among the sites targeted.
The latest wave of missile strikes is widely seen as retaliation for the killing of Ali Larijani, Iran’s former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Larijani was considered one of the most powerful figures in the country after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
UAE Air Defences Activated in Dubai Amid Missile and Drone Threats
Dubai authorities confirmed that the city’s air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming threats. Officials said the sounds heard across the city were linked to these defensive operations.
“The UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran,” a spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence said. “The sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.”
Authorities in Dubai confirm that the sounds heard across parts of the city were the result of successful air defence interception operations. Please rely on official sources for updates.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 17, 2026
Authorities further stated that the country has faced sustained attacks since the conflict began, with more than 2,000 Iranian drones and missiles targeting the UAE. Local reports indicated that more than a dozen missiles struck Dubai on Tuesday evening alone.
Visuals Show UAE Night Sky Lit by Explosions
Videos circulating on social media captured intense flashes and explosions illuminating Dubai’s skyline, underscoring the scale and severity of the attacks. The visuals showed what appeared to be multiple intercepts and impacts across the city.
Major Iranian missile/drone raid on Dubai reported moments ago, numerous explosions heard as air defenses engaged incoming air targets. pic.twitter.com/tcOoPmhTSZ
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 17, 2026
Iran confirmed Larijani’s death earlier, following reports that he had been targeted. The escalation in attacks on Gulf states appears to be part of Tehran’s response.
UAE Central Bank Announces Financial Resilience Package
Amid the ongoing crisis, the UAE Central Bank has moved to reinforce confidence in the country’s financial system. According to reports, it has approved a comprehensive financial institution resilience package aimed at strengthening the stability of the banking sector.
The central bank noted that the total liquidity held by UAE banks with the regulator, along with their net eligible assets for central bank operations, has reached nearly $250 billion.
Dubai International Airport Status
Air travel to and from Dubai has also been affected by the escalating tensions. While Emirates continues to operate flights, reports indicate that many are running nearly empty.
Meanwhile, British Airways has suspended all flights to Dubai until June. Explaining the decision, a spokesperson told Daily Express, “The cancellations are due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers.”
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
