Fire and plumes of smoke rise after a drone struck a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, forcing suspension of flights. (AP Photo)Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi Attack News Today Live Updates: The geopolitical landscape of the Persian Gulf has shifted dramatically this Tuesday as the Fujairah oil hub attack and missile alerts in Dubai signal a dangerous new phase in the US-Israel-Iran war. While Emirati air defences have intercepted the majority of incoming threats, the humanitarian and economic toll is mounting, with a fatal strike reported in Abu Dhabi and a global energy market in turmoil.
US President Donald Trump, speaking from Air Force One, has declared Iran “essentially defeated” following the destruction of over 7,000 targets, yet the persistent drone and missile salvos suggest a conflict that is far from over. Meanwhile, the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes has sent Brent crude oil price war projections into triple digits, threatening a global recession.
A drone strike early Tuesday triggered a major fire at an oil tank farm in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, a critical hub located on the UAE’s east coast.
No casualties at site: UAE authorities confirmed that while the facility suffered damage, there were no injuries reported.
Indian vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ safe: In a major relief for New Delhi, the Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki successfully departed the Fujairah terminal shortly after the attack, carrying 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude bound for India.
Strategic impact: The attack on Fujairah is particularly significant as the port serves as a key bypass to the Strait of Hormuz. Targeting this facility is seen as an attempt to choke off the UAE’s primary alternative export route.
Following a morning of “locked-down” skies, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has officially reopened the country’s airspace.
Limited resumption: While the GCAA says operations are “returning to normal,” Emirates flights cancelled today include several high-traffic routes. Notable cancellations and heavy delays affect flights from London, Paris, Jeddah, and Colombo.
Dubai International (DXB) status: The airport is currently clearing a massive backlog of passengers. Travellers are urged not to head to the airport unless their rebooked flight is confirmed.
Waiver policy: Emirates has introduced a comprehensive war-zone waiver, allowing passengers to change dates or request full refunds for travel through March 31.
The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.
On March 18, Air India and Air India Express will operate 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia. 14 flights are scheduled between India and Jeddah.
#importantupdate
— Air India (@airindia) March 17, 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together operate a combined total of 50 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on 18 March 2026.
Read more: https://t.co/J3F7Pg1h7o
UAE Interior Ministry warns all residents of fraudulent messages and scam calls under the name "MOI."
The Kuwaiti defence ministry said that on March 17, its air defence intercepted two ballistic missiles and thirteen drones. Two people have sustained minor injuries following a shrapnel fall.
Iran's football federation has raised concerns about the safety of Iranian football players playing the match in the US. Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said that the federation is in discussions with FIFA to move the World Cup matches from the US to Mexico.
(Reuters)
The Indian Embassy in Qatar said that 1,600 Indian nationals returned back to India from Qatar on March 17.
Five Qatar Airways flights operated to India with all the passengers, of which two flights were headed to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.
BBC said that Dubai property index went down by 30 percent.
Hamad International Airport has withdrawn from all exhibitions, conferences, industry events, and awards programmes due to the escalating conflict in the region. This includes the withdrawal of the airport from Skytrax World Airport 2026 and the Passenger Terminal Expo 2026 in London.
The UAE defence ministry announced that they are currently dealing with an incoming missile and an Iranian drone threat.
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely shut due to the escalating unrest in the Middle East, the passage that is used for much transportation is now triggering emergency situations across vulnerable regions. The United Nations warns around 45 million people are facing acute hunger worldwide due to the shortage of supplies.
Save the Children, a Sudanese charity, said that $600,000 worth of essential medicines are stuck in Dubai ports.
If the shipments are not rerouted immediately, clinics dealing with the humanitarian crisis will be facing a medical supplies shortage, says the Sudanese charity.
(Reuters)
The UAE defence ministry announced that on March 17, the air defence engaged with 10 Iranian ballistic missiles and 45 UAVs.
Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to a fire at the Shah field, caused by a drone strike, reported Emirates 24/7. No injuries have been reported, and further updates will be provided in due course.
The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.
A vessel explosion near the vicinity of north-northwest Sharjah Port in the UAE was reported by Ambrey, a global maritime risk management firm.
(Reuters)
On Tuesday, following the Iranian attacks on the UAE, the oil prices rose by 3 per cent. The Iranian attacks on the UAE have triggered the fear of supply disruptions, with the Strait of Hormuz being largely shut. The Brent crude prices saw a jump of nearly 3.3 per cent, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 3.4 per cent.
(Reuters)
Israel said Tuesday it has killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force, a key group used to suppress demonstrations in the Islamic Republic. The Israeli military said Tuesday it killed General Gholam Reza Soleimani in a strike on Monday.
Iran didn’t immediately acknowledge Soleimani’s killing. The Israeli Military said in a statement that in recent demonstrations, the Basij forces under Soleimani’s command "led the main repression operations, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.”
The US Treasury listed Soleimani as having been born in 1965. He had been sanctioned by the US, the European Union and other nations over his role in helping suppress dissent for years through the Basij.
(AP)
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected proposals for reducing tensions or for a ceasefire with the United States that were conveyed to Tehran by two intermediary countries, a senior Iranian official said on Tuesday.
Khamenei's stance for revenge against the US and Israel was “very tough and serious” in his first foreign policy session, the official said, without clarifying whether the leader attended in person.
(Reuters)
The Israeli defence minister said Tuesday that the Israeli military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. Israel Katz made the announcement. The Israeli military also announced it killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force.
The killings again strip away top leaders from the Iranian theocracy after the Feb. 28 strike that killed 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(AP)
China said it will provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries.
(AP)
The price of oil jumped over 5 per cent Tuesday as several countries pushed back against Donald Trump's demand that they help secure the key Strait of Hormuz, while Iran targeted crude-producing neighbours.
At around US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Oil price up more than five per cent on Iran Ware also rose above five percent before easing back.
(Gulf News)
The death toll in the UAE since the start of Iranian aggression has touched eight, including two soldiers, Gulf News reported, citing authorities. Since the onset of the attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 UAVs, it reported.
These assaults have resulted in the deaths of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as five civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities.
The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared to address any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine the security of the State, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, stability, and national interests.
(Gulf News)
Two more drones were intercepted by Saudi Arabia over its eastern region, the Ministry of Defence said.
-Al Jazeera
The security situation has also affected neighbouring Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said it intercepted two drones in the eastern region. Meanwhile, Qatar issued a public safety alert after residents in Doha reported hearing explosions, with authorities later confirming that a missile targeting the state had been intercepted by Qatari armed forces.
In response to the escalating situation, the UAE temporarily closed its airspace after its defence ministry warned of incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. The country’s General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the precautionary shutdown. The attacks come amid wider regional tensions, with the UAE’s Shah gas field also remaining shut after a separate drone strike. The disruptions have affected the country’s energy sector, with daily oil output reportedly dropping significantly as the conflict continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed.
Another drone attack targeted the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, located about 150 km east of Dubai. The strike triggered a fire at the site, but authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported. The Fujairah facility is a major oil storage and export hub, making it a strategically important site for the UAE’s energy infrastructure.
For now, daily life in Dubai continues largely as normal, though authorities remain on high alert due to the broader regional tensions.
Travellers are advised to:
Expats in the UAE are also encouraged to stay connected with their respective embassies and follow local safety instructions.
India has already evacuated more than 550 nationals from Iran through Armenia, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanking the Armenian government for facilitating the land-border transit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), around 9,000 Indians remain in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals and pilgrims. So far, about 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia and another 90 have entered Azerbaijan via land borders from Iran as part of evacuation efforts.Separately, about 45 flights from various Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar were expected to land in India on Monday, bringing back thousands of Indian nationals who chose to return amid the crisis. Officials say around 2.2 lakh Indians have returned to the country since the conflict began.
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia following recent attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran, safety concerns have grown across the Gulf region, including Dubai, one of the world’s busiest travel and expatriate hubs.
India has been closely monitoring the situation, particularly for the safety of its citizens across the Gulf and in Iran.
The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals not to approach or attempt to cross any land border in Iran without prior coordination with the embassy. It warned that uncoordinated travel could lead to serious logistical and immigration difficulties.
The embassy said it is in regular contact with members of the Indian community and coordinating evacuation arrangements where necessary.
One person has reportedly been killed in Abu Dhabi after being hit by shrapnel from a missile interception. The deceased was identified as a Pakistani national.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsتعاملت الجهات المختصة في إمارة أبوظبي مع حادث نتيجة سقوط شظايا في منطقة بني ياس، عقب اعتراض صاروخ باليستي من قبل الدفاعات الجوية، مما أسفر عن مقتل شخص من الجنسية الباكستانية.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 17, 2026
ونهيب بالجمهور استقاء المعلومات من المصادر الرسمية فقط، وتجنُّب تداول الشائعات أو المعلومات غير…
A series of drone and missile attacks across the Gulf triggered fires at key energy facilities in the United Arab Emirates and forced authorities to shut the country’s airspace as a precaution.
After a drone attack near Dubai International Airport struck one of the airport’s fuel tanks on Monday, according to the Dubai Media Office, Dubai Police temporarily shut key routes leading to the airport. The impact triggered a fire near the airport premises, which civil defence teams later brought under control. Flight operations were affected, with several services disrupted and airlines including Etihad Airways and Emirates facing delays and operational adjustments.
The UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Qatar’s armed forces intercepted a missile attack that targeted the state.
A public safety alert was issued in Qatar amid the sound of explosions heard by residents in Doha.
- Al Jazeera
Operations at the UAE’s Shah gas field remained suspended on Tuesday after a drone attack, while another strike triggered a fire in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. No injuries were reported in either incident. The attack on the Shah field has added to disruptions in the UAE’s energy sector. The country’s daily oil output has dropped by more than half since the conflict began, with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz forcing state oil giant ADNOC to carry out widespread production shut-ins.
- Reuters
A video of fuel tanks burning at the Dubai International Airport (DXB), following a drone attack, is going viral.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe closest video footage from the site of the burning fuel tanks at Dubai International Airport (DXB). 🔥✈️ pic.twitter.com/MOoYIMScoq
— 🦅﮼رَاشـــــد | Rashid (@RLehbib) March 16, 2026
The UAE has temporarily and fully shut its airspace, the nation's General Civil Aviation Authority has said. The move follows a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense has said that it intercepted two drones in the east.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsالمتحدث الرسمي لـ #_: اعتراض وتدمير مسيّرتين في المنطقة الشرقية. pic.twitter.com/ycLebOZtb1
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 17, 2026
A fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after the site was targeted by drones. There have been no casualties so far, as per the Fujairah government said. The site of the attack is about 150 km east of Dubai.
— Fujairah Media Office (@FjMediaoffice) March 17, 2026https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The United Arab Emirates has closed its airspace again following “incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”, BBC reported citing the country’s defence ministry.
Flight operations to Dubai were affected in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram after the reports of disruptions at the destination airport on Monday, March 16, 2026. Emirates flights were affected by the temporary airspace disruptions in Dubai. EK533, the Dubai-bound flight, departed CIAL at 4.30 am and, following the security concerns, landed back at CIAL at 8.30 am.
(PTI)
A fuel tank near Dubai International Airport caught fire. The Dubai civil defence team confirmed the incident and said that cooling operations are underway.
أكدت فرق الدفاع المدني انتهاء حريق خزان الوقود في محيط مطار دبي الدولي، وأن عمليات التبريد تتم حالياً.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026tf-8">
The Indian Embassy in Doha said that around 1,100 Indian passengers travelled from Qatar to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and other destinations on March 16, 2026, on Qatar Airways.
On March 18, 2026, Qatar Airways will operate to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mumbai.
Update/Advisory, March 16, 2026, 1800 hrs
— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) March 16, 2026
· About 1100 Indian passengers travelled to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and other destinations on Qatar Airways flights on March 16. Flights to these destinations are also planned for March 17.
· Qatar Airways has announced… pic.twitter.com/vUHz8Shv5M
Air France cancelled all its flight operations to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh until March 17.
All Tokyo-Doha flights of Japan Airlines are suspended from February 28 to March 31 and Doha-Tokyo flights until April 1.
(Reuters)
Air Canada cancelled all its operations to Dubai until March 28, 2026.
Etihad airline resumed its operations with limited commercial flight schedules flying between Abu Dhabi and a few other destinations.
(Reuters)
The Qatar defence ministry confirmed a second wave of missile attacks on Monday, March 16, 2026. It announced that the missiles were intercepted by the armed forces, and as of now, no casualties have been reported.
The death toll in the UAE is at 7, and there are 145 injury cases on the 14th day of war. Of the seven, five were civilians and two were armed forces members who were killed in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Siren sounds were heard in Bahrain. The interior ministry urged all its residents to move into the nearest safe place.
The Qatari defence ministry announced that a missile attack aimed at the State of Qatar was intercepted by the armed forces.
Emirates has resumed their flight operations. The airline had suspended all its operations temporarily following the disruptions caused by the drone attacks earlier this morning.
The airline has advised all its passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport, as there have been cancellations and only limited operations have been resumed.
Emirates has resumed reduced flight operations after a temporary suspension earlier this morning (16 March, 2026).
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.… pic.twitter.com/4M6A7xRE8D
The UAE defence ministry confirmed that on Monday, March 16, 2026, the air defences dealt with six ballistic missiles and 21 Iranian drones.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the UAE has dealt with 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1627 drones.
Air India and Air India Express have suspended all their flight operations to Dubai till March 16, 2026.
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all its operations following the closure of Qatari airspace. A revised schedule with limited operations will begin from March 18 to March 28, 2026.
Indigo operations remain suspended till March 28 to Doha, Kuwait, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.
(Reuters)
The Qatari foreign ministry said that discussions around opening the Strait of Hormuz for functional operations are underway.
The ministry added that the Iranian attack against civilians continues, and it is not aware of any official mediation between the US and Iran.
(Reuters)
DBX has asked all passengers to proceed to the airport only after confirming their departure time directly with their respective airlines.
An emirate building was targeted by a drone in Umm Al Quwain, which resulted in a fire breakout. Authorities confirmed no casualties or injuries from the incident.
(Reuters)
The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed that the evacuations carried out in parts of Doha on Saturday, March 14, 2026, were due to the threat of an Iranian missile. The missile was launched near a residential neighbourhood and is said to have been intercepted by the forces.
(Reuters)
UEFA Finalissima football match in Qatar between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled following the escalating conflict in the West Asia. The scheduled match was supposed to take place on March 27, 2026, in Doha.
(AP)
Dubai-based air carrier Flydubai have resumed their flight operations after a temporary morning suspension followed by drone disruptions.
The operations have been said to have resumed with reduced schedules after the disruptions in the morning.
All passengers are advised to confirm their flight operations schedule before travelling.
(Khaleej Times)
Oman Air flights are continuing to operate as normal, with additional services across its network. However, due to ongoing regional airspace closures, some routes remain temporarily affected.
Flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Kuwait (KWI), Copenhagen (CPH), Baghdad (BGW), and Khasab (KHS) have been cancelled until 31 March 2026.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js⚠️ Dear valued guests,
— Oman Air (@omanair) March 16, 2026
Oman Air flights continue to operate as normal, with additional services across our network. However, due to ongoing regional airspace closures, some routes remain temporarily affected.
As a result, flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain… pic.twitter.com/DJRVi8jH5G
A fire broke out at an industrial zone in Fujairah, UAE, following a drone strike, the emirate’s media office said. Civil defence teams are working to contain the blaze, and no injuries have been reported so far.
- Al Jazeera
The Abu Dhabi Media Office said a rocket fell on a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahia area, killing one person of Palestinian nationality. In a statement, the office urged the public to rely only on official sources for information and refrain from circulating rumours or unverified reports.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsتعاملت الجهات المختصة في إمارة أبوظبي مع حادث نتيجة سقوط صاروخ على مركبة مدنية في منطقة الباهية، ما أسفر عن مقتل شخص واحد من الجنسية الفلسطينية.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
ونهيب بالجمهور استقاء المعلومات من المصادر الرسمية فقط، وتجنُّب تداول الشائعات أو المعلومات غير الموثوقة.
While Emirates airlines has stuck to halting flights to and from Dubai, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has said that some flights will gradually resume operations to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsDubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for…
The official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that three drones were intercepted and destroyed over the Riyadh and Eastern regions of Saudi Arabia.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsالمتحدث الرسمي لـ #_: اعتراض وتدمير 3 مسيّرات في منطقتي الرياض والشرقية. pic.twitter.com/l9xmClMzHn
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 16, 2026
Emirates airlines announced that it will operate a limited schedule after 10am (06:00 GMT) today. This statement comes after the Dubai airport was temporarily closed and all flight operations were suspended after a drone hit a fuel tank and set it on fire.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAll flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Please do not go to the airport.
Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority… pic.twitter.com/m5eIloT2wk
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. "The sounds heard in parts of the country were caused by air defence systems intercepting the projectiles," the ministry said in a statement. It did not immediately provide further details on any damage or casualties.
- Al Jazeera
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAir defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates. pic.twitter.com/BNHRYDBpGd
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 16, 2026
The Saudi Ministry of Defence said that they intercepted three waves of drones in the eastern side of the country. The Ministry said 12 were destroyed in the latest wave, while six were shot down before that. Another five were intercepted earlier.The report comes after the ministry reported intercepting 37 drones in the early hours of the morning.
- Al Jazeera
Dubai Airports announces the diversion of some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsDubai Airports announces the diversion of some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
