Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting key Gulf cities overnight caused minor damage to airports, port facilities and residential areas, with authorities across the region reporting swift interceptions and limited casualties.
The countries reported hundreds of interceptions across the region.
In the UAE, Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed that competent authorities in the emirate dealt with an incident involving the interception of a drone that had targeted Zayed International Airport.
Falling debris from the intercepted drone resulted in the death of one Asian national and injuries to seven others. Emergency services responded immediately, and the injured were provided medical treatment.
Abu Dhabi Airports urged the public not to circulate rumours or inaccurate information, stressing the need to rely on official sources for updates.
Dubai incidents
In neighbouring Dubai, authorities reported multiple incidents linked to aerial interceptions.
The Dubai Media Office said debris resulting from an interception caused a fire at one of the berths at Jebel Ali Port.
Teams from Dubai Civil Defence responded immediately and worked to fully extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported. Officials also warned against circulating outdated footage of a previous fire at the port in July 2021, saying it could mislead the public.
Separately, Dubai Civil Defence confirmed that a minor fire on the exterior façade of the iconic Burj Al Arab was brought under control without injuries. Authorities said the fire was caused by debris from an intercepted drone.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), a concourse sustained minor damage in a separate incident. Emergency response teams were deployed promptly, and four staff members sustained injuries and received medical attention.
According to officials, contingency plans had already led to the clearing of most terminals, minimising the risk to passengers. Further updates are expected as assessments continue.
Residential buildings in Manama attacked
In Bahrain, firefighters last night dealt with multiple blaze extinguishing operations in buildings located in and around Manama and Muharraq that were struck by Iranian drones and debris from an intercepted missile. An individual was treated for smoke inhalation, the Interior Ministry said last night.
It added that the first building was evacuated and the blaze contained, while firefighting operations were continuing at the second site.
Material damage to the third building caused by falling debris from an intercepted missile was also being cleared.
Juffair residents were evacuated by the Interior Ministry to emergency shelters, run by its Crisis and Disaster Management Directorate, following the Iranian missile attacks on the US Navy Base.
Hundreds of evacuees spent yesterday evening at school buildings in surroundings areas. Authorities provided bedding, meals and other necessities, until it was safe enough for families to return home.
In Saudi Arabia, state media reported that air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones over Riyadh, with no major infrastructure damage confirmed. Airports in the capital and eastern provinces were placed on heightened alert, though operations continued with precautionary measures.
Kuwaiti authorities also reported aerial interceptions over Kuwait City, stating that debris fell in uninhabited areas. Civil aviation authorities said airport operations were not significantly disrupted.
Regional tensions escalate
The attacks come amid escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States and Israel, with Tehran warning that it would respond to what it described as “massive” attacks against its territory.
Gulf governments have activated emergency protocols around key infrastructure, including airports, oil facilities and ports, amid concerns that strategic assets could be targeted in the widening confrontation.
