US-Israel war on Iran enters Day 17: UAE Civil Defence contains fire at Dubai International Airport, DXB flights temporarily suspended, latest updates

Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys seven drones in Eastern Region

Saudi Ministry of Defence spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki has announced that seven drones were intercepted and destroyed over the Eastern Region.

Kuwait intercepts seven drones in 24 hours as total rises to 27 since Iranian attacks began

The Kuwait National Guard has announced that its Wajib Mubarak force successfully intercepted and downed seven hostile drones that violated Kuwaiti airspace over the past 24 hours.

Since the start of what it described as Iranian aggression, the force has downed a total of 27 UAVs and drones, comprising three unmanned aerial vehicles and 24 drones.

Additionally, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit has responded to 31 reports of missile remnants and shrapnel found at various locations across the country.

IndiGo suspends Dubai flights as DXB halts landing permissions

IndiGo has announced that landing permissions at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have been suspended until further notice due to the prevailing regional situation.

Customers travelling to or from Dubai are advised to check their flight status at the airline’s website before heading to the airport.

IndiGo said it is sending notifications to keep passengers informed and is closely monitoring developments.

Drone strike sparks fire at Abu Dhabi’s Shah oil field

Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to a fire at the Shah oil field following a drone strike. No injuries have been reported.

The public has been urged to rely solely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating rumours or unverified reports. Further updates will be issued in due course.

Fire at Dubai airport fuel tank extinguished, cooling operations underway

Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the fire which broke out in a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport has been fully extinguished. Cooling operations are currently in progress at the site.

Qatar’s armed forces intercept missile attack targeting the country

The Qatari Ministry of Defence has announced that its armed forces successfully intercepted a missile attack directed at the State of Qatar.

Bahrain remands suspects in custody over posts glorifying terrorist attacks

Several individuals have been remanded in custody pending investigation on charges of promoting and glorifying the terrorist attacks targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, with their cases to be referred for urgent trial.

Emirates resumes reduced operations after morning suspension

Emirates has resumed limited flight operations following a temporary suspension earlier on March 16, 2026. Some flights remain cancelled, and affected passengers will be notified and provided with reaccommodation options.

Customers are advised to check their flight status at emirates.com or via email before heading to the airport.

Travellers transiting through Dubai will only be accepted if their connecting flight is confirmed as operating. The airline has urged passengers not to go to the airport unless they hold a confirmed booking.

Emirates said it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its operational schedule accordingly, adding that the safety and security of passengers and crew remains its top priority.

UAE intercepts 6 missiles and 21 drones on March 16

UAE air defences intercepted 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran on March 16, 2026.

Since the onset of Iran’s attacks, the UAE has dealt with a total of 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones.

The attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces and the deaths of 5 civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities. A further 145 people have been injured, with wounds ranging from minor to severe, among nationals from more than 25 countries including the UAE, Egypt, India, the Philippines, and others.

The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed that it remains on full alert and is prepared to confront any threats to the country’s security, sovereignty, and stability.

Drone strike hits building in Umm Al Quwain causing fire, no injuries

The Government of Umm Al Quwain has confirmed that a drone targeted one of the emirate’s buildings, resulting in a fire with no injuries reported.

Relevant teams have been deployed and are taking the necessary measures to handle the incident.

The public has been advised to avoid spreading rumours and to obtain information only from official sources.

Israeli Air Force launches simultaneous strikes on Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz

The Israeli Air Force has commenced a large-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure across three cities simultaneously – Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz.

DXB urges passengers not to head to airport without confirmed departure time

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has advised travellers not to proceed to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline with a confirmed departure time, as flight schedules remain subject to change.

Passengers are urged to continue checking with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight status and timings.

Bahrain intercepts 129 missiles and 215 drones as Iranian attacks continue

The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) has announced that its air defence systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed 129 ballistic missiles and 215 drones fired at the kingdom as part of what it described as ongoing Iranian terrorist aggression.

The BDF expressed pride in the combat readiness and vigilance of its personnel, saying their performance provides reassurance that Bahrain’s skies remain protected.

The General Command urged the public to exercise caution, stay away from damaged sites and suspicious objects, and refrain from filming military operations or debris impact sites.

Authorities also warned against spreading rumours and advised residents to follow official and government media for alerts and updates.

The BDF reiterated that targeting civilian infrastructure with ballistic missiles and drones constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, and that such indiscriminate attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

Israeli Air Force destroys Khamenei’s aircraft at Tehran’s Mehrabad airport

The Israeli Air Force has struck and destroyed a plane belonging to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.

The aircraft was reportedly used by Khamenei, senior Iranian officials, and military figures to facilitate arms procurement and manage relations with allied countries through domestic and international flights.

The Israeli military said the destruction of the plane will hinder coordination between the Iranian leadership and its regional allies, and will set back the regime’s efforts to rebuild its military capabilities.

Traffic resumes but Airport Road remains partially closed

Traffic has returned to normal following earlier closures, however Airport Road remains shut for vehicles travelling from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Gulf Air reroutes flights via Dammam amid Bahrain airspace closure

Gulf Air has announced it is temporarily diverting a number of commercial flights through Dammam due to the ongoing closure of Bahraini airspace.

The airline will provide a further update at 11:00 Bahrain time (08:00 UTC) on March 17. Passengers can stay informed via gulfair.com or the Gulf Air app.

What to do if you receive an emergency alert at work

Dubai Police has issued workplace safety guidance for those who receive an emergency alert.

The public is advised to take all alerts seriously and follow instructions, remain inside buildings away from windows and exposed areas, and adhere to the directions of security and safety teams.

People should stay in a safe location until an all-clear notification is issued, and familiarise themselves with emergency exits – using the stairs calmly in the event of an evacuation.

Drone attack sparks fire at Fujairah’s petroleum industrial zone

Fujairah authorities have confirmed that a fire broke out in the emirate’s petroleum industries area following a drone strike.

Civil defence teams were immediately deployed to the scene and are continuing their efforts to bring the blaze under control. No injuries have been reported.

The public has been advised to avoid spreading rumours and to rely only on official sources for information.

Dubai traffic returns to normal on Airport Street and surrounding roads

Dubai Police has announced the reopening of Airport Street from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Al Khawaneej, as well as the Marrakesh intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street.

Motorists can now resume using these roads as normal.

One casualty reported as missile strikes civilian vehicle in Abu Dhabi’s Al Bahyah area

Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident in which a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah area, resulting in one casualty of Palestinian nationality.

Authorities have urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating rumours or unverified reports.