US‑Israel conflict on Iran enters Day 5: UAE affirms right to self‑defence, latest updates

Macron calls on Hezbollah to halt attacks and urges Israel to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss the deteriorating situation in Lebanon.

Macron pressed Hezbollah to immediately stop its attacks against Israel, warning that the escalation strategy endangers the entire region, while also urging Netanyahu to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity and avoid a ground offensive.

He called on all parties to return to the ceasefire agreement. France pledged continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in their efforts to assert sovereignty and counter the Hezbollah threat, and announced immediate initiatives to assist displaced populations in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes kill at least 72 and injure hundreds in Lebanon since Monday

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 72 people and wounded 437 others since Monday.

The country’s National News Agency noted that the raids have caused widespread destruction to homes and facilities across several areas of Lebanon.

GCC, EU foreign ministers to hold emergency meeting on Iranian aggression

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi has announced that an emergency joint ministerial meeting between GCC and EU foreign ministers will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas participating via video conference.

The meeting will address the implications of Iranian attacks on GCC states and their broader regional and global consequences.

Albudaiwi stressed that the GCC aims to use the gathering to condemn the attacks targeting civilians, infrastructure, and diplomatic premises, and to call on the international community to act swiftly to halt the conflict and restore regional and international stability.

UAE Ministry of Interior alerts public to fraudulent emergency registration emails

The Ministry of Interior has warned the public about fake emails circulating that falsely claim recipients must complete an emergency registration form and submit personal details in order to receive support, compensation, or insurance coverage.

The Ministry is urging people not to respond to these messages or share any personal information.

Dubai Police warns of legal penalties for fireworks use amid regional tensions

Dubai Police has cautioned the public against using, possessing, or trading fireworks and firecrackers, citing the serious risks they pose to lives, property, and public safety.

Those found in violation face penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to AED100,000 for unlicensed trading.

The public is encouraged to report any related incidents by calling the 901 Call Centre.

Dubai authorities confirm sounds heard across emirate caused by air defence intercepts

Dubai authorities have confirmed that the sounds heard across various parts of the emirate were the result of successful air defence interception operations, with no injuries reported.

Relevant teams remain on alert and are taking all necessary precautions to ensure public safety. Residents are advised to follow official sources for updates.

Jebel Ali Port confirms normal operations amid heightened security measures

DP World has confirmed that all terminals at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai are functioning normally, with the operator maintaining close coordination with relevant authorities and enhanced safety and security measures in place.

Jebel Ali, the Middle East’s largest port, handles over 15 million TEUs of container cargo annually across its four terminals, serving as a major trade hub connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

UAE waives overstay fines for travellers stranded by regional airspace closures

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has announced that individuals unable to leave the UAE due to regional airspace closures and flight suspensions will be exempt from fines for delayed departures.

The exemption covers visitors on visit or tourist visas, holders of exit permits, and residents who had already cancelled their residency in preparation for travel, and applies to fines accumulated from February 28, 2026 onwards.

The Authority noted that dedicated teams at airports and Customer Happiness Centres across the country are operating under emergency and business continuity plans to assist affected travellers and facilitate procedures related to delayed or rescheduled flights.

It reaffirmed the UAE’s humanitarian approach to crisis management and its commitment to supporting travellers under exceptional circumstances, urging those affected to follow official channels for updates and guidance.

UAE Cyber Security Council warns public against sharing unverified content online

The UAE Cyber Security Council has cautioned the public against falling for rumors or manipulated, edited, and out-of-context videos circulating online.

It reminded citizens that all official information related to security, public services, and national updates is issued exclusively through authorised government channels.

The Council warned that spreading unverified content exposes the community to digital misinformation and poses a risk to national information security, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.

Bahrain activates alarm sirens and urges public to seek shelter

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has activated alarm sirens, calling on citizens and residents to stay calm, move to the nearest safe location, and monitor official channels for further updates.

Omani Royal Navy rescues 24 crew members after cargo ship struck by two missiles near Strait of Hormuz

The Royal Navy of Oman evacuated all 24 crew members from a Malta-flagged cargo vessel after it was hit by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Oman News Agency, all crew members were safely rescued and received medical attention, with no serious health concerns reported.

Vatican warns preventive wars threaten global order as Middle East conflict deepens

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, expressed deep sorrow over the renewed conflict in the Middle East, warning that the erosion of international law and the rise of power-driven diplomacy pose a grave threat to global stability.

Speaking to Vatican News, he cautioned that recognising any state’s right to wage preventive war based on its own criteria – without a supranational legal framework – risks setting the entire world ablaze.

Parolin criticised the shift away from multilateral diplomacy toward what he described as a diplomacy of force, where nations increasingly believe peace can be achieved through arms rather than negotiation.

He also raised concern over the selective application of international law, stressing that there are no first- or second-class victims, and that humanitarian law must be upheld regardless of military or strategic interests.

The Cardinal called on world leaders to heed Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for responsibility, urging a return to negotiation and a renewed commitment to strengthening international institutions.

He concluded with a message of hope, noting that people around the world are calling for peace – an appeal he said must move those in power to redouble their efforts toward it.

Kuwait announces automatic extension of visit visas and additional absence permit for residents abroad

The Ministry of Interior of the State of Kuwait has announced special measures in light of the exceptional circumstances currently affecting the country.

All visit entry visas that have expired or are close to expiring will be automatically extended for one month starting Saturday, February 28, 2026.

This extension will be processed electronically, so there is no need to visit residency affairs offices. During this period, all related fees and fines will be waived.

In addition, residents who are currently outside Kuwait and have exceeded their allowed absence period will receive an automatic three-month absence permit through the electronic system. This process will not require in-person procedures and will also be exempt from the usual fees.

The Ministry stated that these timeframes may be extended depending on how the situation in the country develops. It also urged everyone to follow its official communication channels for any further updates.

Israeli Air Force destroys Iranian air defense systems at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport

Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck and destroyed air defense and detection systems at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran during the military’s tenth strike sortie over the Iranian capital.

The operation, guided by Military Intelligence and the Space Directorate, targeted infrastructure used by the Iranian regime that had posed a threat to Israeli aircraft.

The IDF stated it is continuing to strike Iranian military infrastructure across the country.

Emirates suspends all Dubai flights until March 7 amid regional airspace closures

Emirates has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Dubai until 23:59 UAE time on March 7, due to regional airspace closures.

A limited number of flights continues to operate, with priority given to customers who had earlier bookings.

Transit passengers will only be accepted if their connecting flight is confirmed as operating.

The airline is urging customers not to travel to the airport unless they have received direct notification from Emirates or hold a confirmed booking on one of the operating flights.

Passengers are advised to check their flight status and email for updates before heading to the airport.

Bahrain FM condemns Iranian attacks as violation of international law, calls for UN action

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani condemned the Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain, GCC states, and Jordan, describing them as a grave breach of the UN Charter, international law, and humanitarian principles, and a direct threat to regional and international security.

He noted the attacks were particularly unconscionable given they occurred during Ramadan and targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The minister praised the Bahrain Defence Force for its effective interception of Iranian missiles and drones, and reaffirmed Gulf solidarity under the GCC’s collective security framework, stressing that the security of member states is indivisible. He asserted Bahrain’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Dr. Al Zayani called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt Iranian violations and ensure the safety of airspace, maritime corridors, supply chains, and energy markets, warning that Gulf stability is essential to global economic security.

He also expressed appreciation for the support shown by allied nations and reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the crisis.

Qatar intercepts Iranian drones and cruise missiles in early morning operation

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence announced that its armed forces intercepted ten drones and two cruise missiles fired from Iran in the early hours of Wednesday.

The interceptions were carried out across multiple branches: the Amiri Air Defence Forces neutralised six drones, the Amiri Air Force brought down two drones and both cruise missiles, and the Naval Forces intercepted the remaining two drones.

The Ministry affirmed that Qatar’s military has the full capacity to defend the country’s sovereignty and respond decisively to any external threat.

Noon confirms full operations while prioritising staff and community safety

E-commerce platform Noon has affirmed that the wellbeing of its communities and delivery personnel remains its foremost concern, with teams adjusting their operations in response to the current situation and taking extra precautions to keep staff safe.

The company stated that all its platforms are fully functional and that services remain uninterrupted.

Noon thanked customers for their patience and for treating its delivery staff with kindness during this period.

UAE successfully intercepts ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones amid Iranian strikes

The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that air defenses successfully engaged three ballistic missiles and 129 drones on March 4, 2026, with 121 drones intercepted and eight landing within the country’s borders.

Since the onset of what the Ministry described as overt Iranian aggression, UAE defenses have tracked 189 ballistic missiles in total, destroying 175, with 13 landing at sea and one striking national territory.

Of 941 Iranian drones detected, 876 were intercepted and 65 fell inside the country. All eight cruise missiles identified were destroyed, though the incidents resulted in three fatalities – nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh – along with 78 minor injuries among individuals of various nationalities.

The Ministry attributed sounds heard across different parts of the country to interception operations involving air defense systems and fighter jets, which caused minor to moderate damage to some civilian properties.

Strongly condemning the attacks as a violation of national sovereignty and international law, the Ministry asserted the country’s right to respond and take all measures necessary to safeguard its territory, people, and interests.

It confirmed that forces remain on high alert and urged the public to rely only on official sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.

Saudi Ras Tanura refinery targeted in failed drone attack with no damage

A Ministry of Energy official confirmed that the Ras Tanura refinery came under a drone attack on Wednesday morning, though the attempt caused no damage and left supplies unaffected.

Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki echoed this, noting that preliminary findings pointed to a drone as the method of attack.