Dubai International Airport's airspace was closed for more than an hour in the evening due to unauthorised drone activity resulting in a number of flight diversions, said the emirate's airport operator.

The airspace remained closed from 7.25pm to 8.45pm (local time) on Saturday and 22 inbound flights were diverted to the nearby airports, said a Dubai Airports spokesperson.

Dubai Airports is working closely with its stakeholders to return operations to normal to minimise customer inconvenience.

"Safety is our top priority and Dubai Airports reminds all UAV operators that any and all activities are not permitted unless authorised by regulatory authorities and are strictly prohibited in restricted areas including within 5 kilometres of any airport or landing area," stated the spokesperson.-TradeArabia News Service