US-Israel war on Iran enters Day 18: UAE responds to fresh wave of missile, drone threats, Air traffic operations return to normal, latest updates

UAE Ministry of Interior warns public of fraudulent messages circulating under its name

The Ministry of Interior has cautioned the public against fake messages being sent to mobile phones under the name “MOI,” falsely requesting the reporting of security incidents.

The Ministry confirmed the messages are fraudulent and urged the public to ignore them and refrain from responding. It also called on residents to rely solely on officially approved channels for information.

Fujairah authorities arrest journalist for filming in restricted areas without permit

Authorities in Fujairah have arrested an Arab national, identified as A.M., after he allegedly trespassed into restricted areas and conducted unauthorised filming in violation of UAE law.

The suspect, who works for a media organisation, was found to have no official permits allowing him access to the sites or to film there, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Investigations revealed that he entered the restricted locations using a rented vehicle belonging to a journalist from the Dubai branch of a foreign media organisation.

The footage was subsequently sent electronically to a news organisation in London without official authorisation, acting on instructions from the Gulf regional branch manager of the company, identified as B.A., also an Arab national.

The suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action. UAE law criminalises entering restricted areas without a permit, even without any accompanying act, as well as photography, mapping, coordinate recording, or any other form of documentation in areas where such activities are banned.

The UAE Public Prosecution called on all individuals and media organisations to obtain prior official permits before filming, particularly in sensitive or restricted locations, in order to safeguard public safety and security.

Emirates offers rebooking and refund options for travellers affected by flight disruptions

Emirates has announced flexible options for customers booked to travel between February 28 and April 15, 2026 whose flights have been disrupted or who wish to change their plans.

Affected passengers may rebook on an alternate flight to their intended destination for travel up to May 31, 2026.

Those with original travel dates within 72 hours can rebook via the Emirates website or the Emirates App, while others should contact Emirates support directly.

Passengers who prefer a refund may submit a request through the airline’s refund form, with processing taking up to 15 days.

Customers who booked through a travel agent are advised to contact their agent directly for rebooking and refund assistance.

Emirates urges all travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to visit the Emirates travel updates page for the latest information.

Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war

Joseph Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned, telling President Trump in a letter that he could not support the ongoing war in Iran.

“Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” he wrote.

Kent accused high-ranking Israeli officials and members of the American media of running a misinformation campaign, saying it was used “to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory.”

He called this “a lie” and compared it to tactics that drew the US into the Iraq war.

A combat veteran who deployed 11 times, Kent said he could not support “sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.”

He urged Trump to “reverse course and chart a new path,” warning that the alternative would allow the nation “to slip further toward decline and chaos.”

UAE Ministry of Interior issues all-clear, notifies public to resume normal activities

The UAE Ministry of Interior has issued a public safety alert confirming that the situation is currently safe.

Residents are advised that they may resume their normal daily activities while remaining cautious, taking necessary precautions, and continuing to follow official instructions.

Bahrain says air defenses have intercepted 129 ballistic missiles and 233 drones since Iranian attacks began

Bahrain’s Defence Force announced that its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 129 ballistic missiles and 233 drones targeting the kingdom since the start of Iranian aggression.

The BDF condemned the attacks as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, warning that striking civilian areas and private property with ballistic missiles and drones poses a direct threat to regional peace and security.

UAE air defense systems responding to missile threat – public urged to stay in safe locations

Air defense systems are actively engaging a missile threat. The public is advised to remain in a safe location and monitor official channels for the latest warnings and updates.

UAE Ministry of Interior issues emergency alert to residents

The UAE Ministry of Interior has issued an emergency alert warning residents of a potential missile threat, directing everyone to immediately take shelter in the nearest secure building, move away from windows, doors, and open areas, and await further official instructions.

Qatar’s armed forces intercept second wave of missile attack

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense announced that the country’s armed forces successfully intercepted a second wave of missiles targeting the state.

UAE air defenses intercept 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones in latest Iranian attack

UAE air defense systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones launched from Iran on March 17, 2026.

Since the Iranian attacks began, air defenses have dealt with a cumulative total of 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,672 drones.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of two armed forces members and six civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities.

A further 157 people of various nationalities have been injured, with wounds ranging from minor to severe.

The Ministry of Defense stated it remains on high alert and fully prepared to counter any threats, defend the country’s sovereignty, and protect its national interests and capabilities.

Israel says Iran security chief Larijani killed in strike: Reuters

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli strike, according to a report by Reuters.

Iran has not confirmed the same.

Israeli strikes target Hezbollah weapons infrastructure in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military said it struck a large underground facility in the Kfara area of southern Lebanon, where weapons stockpiles – including cruise missiles and hundreds of rockets –were stored, based on intelligence from military and northern command units.

It added that, since the start of the week, additional command centers and infrastructure in Beirut linked to Hezbollah have also been targeted, along with sites in southern Lebanon as part of ongoing defensive operations.

The military said it will continue its actions against Hezbollah, citing efforts to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians.

Two paramedics injured after shrapnel hits ambulance center in Kuwait

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health reported that two paramedics were injured when shrapnel struck an ambulance facility; both are in stable condition.

A spokesperson said the Ministry is closely monitoring the incident in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of healthcare personnel and the uninterrupted delivery of medical services.

Israeli forces strike missile sites, command centres and air defence systems across Iran

Israeli forces have carried out strikes on Iranian regime infrastructure across multiple cities. In Tehran, dozens of munitions were dropped on command centres and storage facilities for UAVs, ballistic missiles, and air defence systems.

In Shiraz, the internal security forces’ command centre and a ballistic missile site were targeted.

In Tabriz, Iranian air defence systems were dismantled, with Israel saying the strikes further expand its aerial superiority in the region.

Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys three drones in Eastern Region

The Saudi Ministry of Defence spokesperson has announced that three drones were intercepted and destroyed over the Eastern Region.

UAE suspends all recreational and sports aviation permits

Authorities have announced the immediate suspension of all recreational and sports aviation permits.

Anyone operating without a valid permit will face immediate legal consequences. The public is urged to comply with the law to ensure their own safety.

IDF deploys additional troops in Lebanon to bolster northern Israel’s defences

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have deployed additional troops in Lebanon as part of ongoing efforts to establish a forward defense posture.

The move aims to neutralise threats and create an extra layer of security for residents of northern Israel against Hezbollah.

Qatar warns public against sharing rumours, threatens legal action

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has cautioned the public against reposting or sharing content from suspicious accounts spreading rumours and unverified information related to current incidents, stressing that doing so constitutes a clear violation and contributes to amplifying such content.

The Ministry noted that any violating content or suspicious accounts should be reported exclusively through the Metrash app under Security Window – Security Complaint – Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department, via email at [email protected], or by calling 999.

The Ministry warned that legal action will be taken against anyone found to be in violation of the relevant laws and instructions, in order to safeguard the security and stability of society.

One killed in Bani Yas as missile shrapnel falls after air defence intercept

Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident in the Bani Yas area caused by shrapnel falling after air defences intercepted a ballistic missile, resulting in the death of a Pakistani national.

The public has been urged to obtain information only from official sources and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified reports.

UAE extends distance learning for two weeks and offers flexible work for parent employees

The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council has announced the continuation of distance learning across all schools and higher education institutions for two weeks, alongside flexible remote work arrangements for caregivers among federal government employees.

Distance learning will apply to all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools nationwide at the start of the third academic term, with the situation to be reviewed weekly in coordination with the Ministry of Education.

Higher education institutions will similarly shift to remote learning for two weeks following the spring break, with weekly assessments conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Federal government employees who are parents or caregivers of children from nursery through Grade 8 will be offered flexible remote work arrangements where their job roles permit, in coordination with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. The measure falls under the Year of the Family framework and aims to support the educational process during this period.

Private educational institutions may submit requests to return to in-person learning when needed, with each request to be assessed accordingly.