At least one person has been killed and 11 others injured after Iranian missiles and drones targeted major airports in the United Arab Emirates late Saturday, authorities have confirmed.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Abu Dhabi Airports said an incident occurred at Dubai International Airport (DXB), where four people were injured. Emergency services responded promptly, treating the wounded as flight operations were suspended.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi also reported that air defence systems intercepted a drone targeting Zayed International Airport. However, falling debris from the interception caused one fatality identified as an Asian national and left seven others injured.
“The public is urged to avoid circulating rumours and to rely only on official sources. Updates will be provided,” the statement added.
The UAE’s air defence forces engaged dozens of incoming missiles and drones launched by Iran, with officials stating that most were successfully intercepted. Despite the high interception rate, fragments from destroyed projectiles fell across multiple areas, causing limited structural damage and civilian casualties near airports and residential neighbourhoods.
As a precautionary measure, UAE authorities temporarily closed national airspace and suspended flights at key aviation hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport. The closures disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers, with airlines cancelling or delaying numerous domestic and international services.
The attacks mark a significant escalation in the widening Middle East conflict. International news agencies report that the strikes were carried out by Iranian forces in retaliation for extensive military operations conducted by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory earlier in the confrontation.
Security measures remain heightened across the UAE as officials assess the damage and monitor further developments in the rapidly evolving regional crisis.
