US-Israel conflict on Iran enters Day 6: Fresh strikes on Tehran, UAE flight status, latest updates

Qatar arrests 194 people for spreading misinformation and unauthorised footage amid ongoing developments

Qatar’s Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation has arrested 194 individuals of various nationalities for recording and circulating video clips, as well as spreading false information and rumors that inflame public opinion and contravene official directives.

Legal and administrative action has been taken against all those involved.

The Ministry of Interior has cautioned the public against filming or sharing footage related to ongoing developments, or circulating unverified rumors.

It stressed that information should only be sourced from official channels, and warned that it will not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found to be spreading misleading or inflammatory content.

IDF kills Hezbollah’s firepower management commander in Beirut strike

The Israeli Air Force, acting on Military Intelligence guidance, struck the Beirut area and killed Zaid Ali Jama’a, the Hezbollah official responsible for overseeing the organization’s firepower and managing its artillery operations in southern Lebanon. Jama’a was accountable for directing the launch of thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones toward Israel from Lebanese territory.

Beyond his firepower role, Jama’a held several senior positions within Hezbollah and had previously fought in Syria in support of the Assad regime. He also served as commander of the Al-Khiyam sector and was behind a 2015 anti-tank missile attack targeting IDF forces in the Mount Dov area on January 28 of that year, in which two Givati Brigade soldiers were killed – Major (res.) Yochi Klangel and First Sergeant Dor Haim Nini.

The IDF stated it will continue to take strong action against Hezbollah, which it says chose to join the current conflict under Iranian direction, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Israeli civilians.

Abu Dhabi emergency authority urges public to avoid shrapnel and report suspicious objects immediately

The Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre has advised residents to keep their distance from any falling shrapnel or suspicious objects, and under no circumstances to approach or handle them.

The public is urged to report any such findings to the relevant authorities immediately so they can be dealt with safely and efficiently.

The centre noted that following official guidance plays a vital role in ensuring an effective response and maintaining community safety.

UK ramps up regional air defense support with additional jets, personnel, and counter-drone specialists

The UK Ministry of Defence has outlined a series of measures taken to bolster regional defensive operations as of March 5, 2026.

Four additional Typhoon jets are being rapidly deployed to Qatar, while RAF F-35B and Typhoon aircraft, supported by Voyager air-to-air refueling, conducted overnight defensive sorties over Qatar and Jordan.

A British Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems unit intercepted further drones in Iraqi airspace that were targeting Coalition forces overnight.

British counter-drone specialists, drawing on experience working alongside Ukrainian experts, have also been deployed to the region to strengthen partner counter-drone capabilities.

On the diplomatic front, the Defence Secretary met with the Cypriot Defence Minister to discuss the UK’s air defense reinforcement efforts, while senior officials engaged with Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors.

The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East is also conducting partner meetings across the region to explore further support options.

Additionally, 400 UK personnel are stationed at British bases in Cyprus to assist with air defense activities.

Qatar Airways offers free date changes and refunds for travel between February 28 and March 15

Qatar Airways has announced that passengers with confirmed bookings for travel between February 28 and March 15, 2026, are entitled to complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from their original travel date, or a refund on the unused portion of their ticket.

Due to high call volumes, the airline is asking customers to get in touch only if they are traveling within the next 48 hours, while all other passengers are encouraged to manage their bookings through the Qatar Airways website or mobile app.

Those who booked through a travel agent or third-party platform should contact that provider directly for assistance.

Kuwaiti air defenses actively intercepting missiles and drones, army confirms

Kuwait’s General Staff of the Army has announced that air defense systems are currently engaged in countering missile and drone attacks in Kuwaiti airspace, clarifying that the sounds being heard across various parts of the country are a result of these interception operations.

Qatar Airways begins operating limited relief flights amid regional airspace closures

Qatar Airways has started running a limited number of relief flights as of March 5, 2026, to assist travelers disrupted by the ongoing temporary closure of airspace across the region.

The airline is working around the clock to add more relief flights as conditions allow and will notify affected passengers directly with updates on their flights and travel arrangements.

Passengers are asked not to proceed to the airport without first receiving official confirmation from Qatar Airways.

Travellers currently in Doha are being assisted by Qatar Airways representatives stationed at designated hotels. Passengers are also encouraged to ensure their contact details are up to date via the airline’s website or app so they can receive timely notifications.

Qatar Airways apologized for the inconvenience caused by the situation and thanked passengers for their patience.

Fire sparked by Iranian attack in Al-Mu’ammar brought under control with no casualties

The UAE Ministry of Interior has confirmed that a fire which broke out at a facility in Al-Mu’ammar following an Iranian attack has been successfully extinguished.

The incident resulted in limited material damage, with no fatalities or injuries reported.

Zayed International Airport restricts access to confirmed bookings only

Zayed International Airport (AUH) has urged travelers to avoid coming to the airport unless they hold a confirmed reservation and have received direct notification from their airline to proceed.

Entry to the airport will be limited exclusively to passengers with confirmed bookings, as the airport reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and staff.

UAE Ministry of Interior issues emergency alert over potential missile threat

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.

UAE air defenses engage incoming Iranian missiles and drones

The UAE Ministry of Defense has confirmed that air defense systems are actively responding to missile and drone threats launched from Iran, clarifying that any sounds heard by residents are the result of interception operations rather than strikes on the ground.

UAE authorities warn of active missile threat, urge public to seek shelter

The UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has announced that air defense systems are currently engaged in responding to an incoming missile threat, urging all residents to stay in a safe location and follow official channels for updates and further guidance.

Dubai private schools to close for spring break from March 9-22

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that spring break for students, teachers, and administrative staff across all private educational institutions in Dubai will run from Monday, March 9 through Sunday, March 22, 2026, with classes and work resuming on Monday, March 23.

flydubai resumes flights on reduced schedule amid ongoing airspace restrictions

flydubai has restarted operations across its network at reduced capacity, with the airline gradually adding flights as airspace restrictions ease.

The carrier warned that some routes may take longer than usual due to temporary rerouting of flight paths, while reaffirming that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

Travellers have been advised to avoid going to the airport unless they hold a confirmed or officially rebooked ticket.

Passengers connecting through Dubai will only be accepted if their onward flight is confirmed as operating.

Sharjah private schools to observe spring break from March 9 to 22

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced, following approval from the Emirates Hills Community Development Authority (EHCD), that spring break for all private educational institutions in Sharjah will run from Monday, March 9 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, March 23.

IDF concludes 12th wave of strikes on Tehran, targeting elite Iranian units and security forces

Israeli forces have completed their 12^th round of airstrikes on Tehran, hitting the headquarters of a elite special unit of the Iranian regime located in Alborz Province, as well as bases belonging to the Basij paramilitary forces and internal security installations.

UAE air defenses intercept 6 of 7 ballistic missiles and 125 of 131 drones in latest Iranian attack

UAE air defense systems detected and engaged a fresh wave of Iranian projectiles on March 5, 2026, successfully shooting down six ballistic missiles, though one landed on Emirati soil. Of 131 drones launched, 125 were neutralised, with six reaching the country’s territory.

Since hostilities began, UAE forces have tracked a cumulative total of 196 ballistic missiles, destroying 181, while 13 fell into the sea and two struck land.

Out of 1,072 drones launched, 1,001 have been intercepted, with 71 reaching Emirati territory. All eight cruise missiles fired have been destroyed.

The attacks have so far claimed three lives – nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh – and left 94 people with minor injuries spanning nearly 20 nationalities.

The Ministry of Defense stated it remains at full readiness to neutralize any threats and safeguard the country’s sovereignty and security.

EtihadWE confirms uninterrupted electricity and water services across Northern Emirates

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has confirmed that all operations are running normally in line with approved response plans, continuing to deliver stable electricity and water services across the Northern Emirates to more than two million residents as well as thousands of homes, businesses, industrial facilities, and farms.

The company said it is maintaining continuous monitoring and technical coordination to ensure service continuity, while pressing ahead with investments in smart metres, digital monitoring systems, and distribution network upgrades to improve efficiency and support the region’s ongoing growth and sustainability goals.

Iran spokesman condemns ‘savage, unprovoked, and utterly unjustified aggression’ against the country

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the attacks on Iran as unprovoked and unjustified, warning that the conflict is having far-reaching consequences beyond the battlefield, including rising energy prices, currency instability, and reduced purchasing power for people worldwide.

Baqaei said the toll on Iranians is significantly greater, accusing the aggressors of deliberately targeting civilian areas with the intent to maximise casualties and suffering.

Emirates operates over 100 flights as Dubai airspace partially reopens

Emirates is running a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace, with more than 100 flights to and from Dubai planned for March 5 and 6, carrying passengers as well as essential cargo including perishables and pharmaceuticals, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The airline said it will gradually restore its full schedule as airspace availability and operational conditions allow, and reminded passengers to only proceed to the airport with a confirmed booking.

Travellers are advised to monitor the Emirates website and official social media channels for the latest updates.