Fresh drone and missile attacks reported in UAE from Iran; MoD says air defences responding

Here are the key points from the Government of India advisory:

Indian nationals in the region are advised to adhere to local authority instructions and follow advisories issued by Indian Embassies or Consulates.

Following partial airspace openings, Indian and foreign airlines are operating flights, including non-scheduled ones, to help stranded Indians return home.

Evacuation statistics (March 1–7, 2026): More than 52,000 Indians have traveled safely from the Gulf region to India; 32,107 of them traveled on Indian carriers. Additional flights are planned in the coming days.

In countries where commercial flights are unavailable, Indian nationals are advised to contact the relevant Embassy/Consulate for nearest available flight options.

Dubai Media Office says: Authorities confirm that debris from an aerial interception fell onto a vehicle in the Al Barsha area, resulting in the death of a Pakistani driver.

Dubai authorities confirmed a minor incident in Dubai Marina. The incident was caused by debris from a successfully intercepted projectile.

The debris impacted the façade of a tower in the area. Officials said the situation has been fully contained.

No injuries were reported.

Authorities have assured that public safety remains under control following the incident.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems are actively intercepting incoming missiles and drones launched by Iran, with explosions heard as defences engage the threats.

A loud explosion was heard in Dubai on Saturday evening, according to AFP, as Iran persisted with missile and drone strikes against locations across the Gulf region. The Emirates had earlier reported “incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”.

“Pardon us if we did not meet expectations, but we are in a time of war. I promise you that we will fulfil our responsibility to defend you, our people and our families,” UAE President said after visiting injured in recent attacks, according to Khaleej Times.

Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his first public remarks since the conflict with Iran escalated, said the United Arab Emirates was currently facing a time of war, according to Reuters.

He stressed that the country would remain resilient and strong, declaring that the UAE has “thick skin and bitter flesh” and would not be easy prey. The president also said the nation would continue fulfilling its duty to defend the country, safeguard its people, and protect residents, whom he described as part of the UAE’s extended family.

The UAE Ministry of Defence on Saturday evening said the United Arab Emirates’s air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

The ministry stated that the sounds heard in different parts of the country were caused by air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, while fighter jets were engaging drones and loitering munitions in the air.

“UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones,” it said.

An official from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said the country will continue taking necessary steps to defend its territory and ensure the safety of everyone living there, while gradually working towards restoring normalcy, according to Reuters.

“Air defence systems also detected 121 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), of which 119 were intercepted, while two fell within the territory of the UAE,” the ministry of defence said.

Air Arabia has announced the limited resumption of its flight operations to and from the United Arab Emirates starting Saturday, March 7.

The airline has advised passengers to review the latest flight schedules on its Travel Update page before planning their journeys.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has said that the labour market in the United Arab Emirates continues to function smoothly and steadily, as per Gulf News. According to the ministry, companies across all sectors of the economy are operating at full capacity and maintaining uninterrupted business activities despite ongoing regional and global developments.

Dubai Police have advised residents that even seemingly harmless photographs can be misused to spread misinformation. Authorities warned that images may be edited or taken out of context, which could expose sensitive locations and pose risks to national security.

Officials also emphasised that public awareness remains the most effective defence in such situations. Residents have been urged to refrain from photographing or sharing images of sensitive sites to help ensure public safety and stability in the Dubai.

“We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC,” Dubai airport said.

The United Arab Emirates’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones on Saturday during a fresh wave of attacks targeting the country, the UAE Ministry of Defence said, according to Gulf News.