UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and drones as Dubai airport incident reported

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were actively intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran on Monday, as authorities responded to what they described as incoming aerial threats.

In a statement posted on social media, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country’s air defence units were engaging missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles approaching its territory. Officials said the systems were working to neutralise the threats as they entered the country’s airspace.

The announcement came amid heightened regional tensions and reports of aerial activity over parts of the Gulf.

Earlier in the day, authorities in Dubai reported a “drone-related incident” that caused a fire near Dubai International Airport. Officials said the incident led to a temporary suspension of flights as emergency services responded to the situation.

Airport authorities did not immediately provide further details about the cause of the fire or whether it was directly linked to the reported missile and drone activity.

Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, serving millions of passengers each year and acting as a major gateway between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Officials said flight operations were halted briefly as a precaution before authorities assessed the situation. Emergency crews were deployed to contain the fire and ensure the safety of surrounding areas.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, and authorities have not yet released further details about the scale of the incident.

The developments come as regional security concerns continue to grow, with Gulf states monitoring potential threats linked to rising tensions involving Iran.