Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, received a phone call from Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the escalating military developments across the region, as Iran continues to attack the Gulf countries.
During the conversation, the two leaders addressed continued attacks by Iran targeting countries in the region. They said the attacks constitute violations of national sovereignty and international norms.
UAE, Saudi Warn Iran
Both leaders stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation, warning that the ongoing situation poses a serious threat to regional and global stability. They also highlighted the importance of prioritising dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional issues and preserve peace and security.
The United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Iran’s arch-foe Israel in 2020, has borne the brunt of the attacks in recent developments. However, other Gulf Arab states have also been affected, and all have condemned Iran’s actions.
Flights Temporarily Suspended at Dubai International Airport After Drone Attack
Dubai’s civil aviation authority said on Monday that flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended after a fire was reported near the airport.
The suspension came after Iran warned of possible attacks on three major ports in the United Arab Emirates. Tehran accused the United States of using “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to carry out strikes on Kharg Island, which hosts the main terminal for Iran’s oil exports.
All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.
Please do not go to the airport.
Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority… pic.twitter.com/m5eIloT2wk
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Iran Says Attacks In UAE Target US Presence
Iran has maintained that its attacks are directed at the United States’ presence in the region.
The UAE, along with other countries including Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, hosts US military facilities.
Drones or missiles have also been launched at civilian sites in the UAE. These include Dubai airport, popular hotels and the country’s financial district.
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
