Dubai–Abu Dhabi live updates: ‘22 missiles, 311 drones target UAE’; satellite images show smoke over key Dubai port

The United Arab Emirates has announced the closure of its embassy in Tehran and summoned Iran’s envoy in Abu Dhabi to lodge a formal protest over what it described as “Iran’s terrorist attacks”.

As the conflict entered its third day, details emerged about the scale of Iran’s strikes on the UAE. According to local reports, UAE Air Defence Forces intercepted 20 ballistic missiles, shot down eight over the sea and neutralised two cruise missiles. They also downed 311 drones during the coordinated assault. Despite these interceptions, 21 drones reportedly hit civilian targets. A satellite image shared by Reuters showed thick black smoke billowing over an industrial area in Dubai.

Trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market has been suspended until Tuesday, March 3. Local media reported that three people were killed in the UAE during the Iranian strikes.

Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported hearing multiple explosions, while sirens sounded in Manama. An AFP journalist in Doha also reported hearing a distant blast. Iran reportedly fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at targets across the UAE, according to AFP citing the defence ministry.

Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, sustained partial damage after a suspected aerial strike hit one of its terminal buildings. Airport authorities said a concourse suffered “minor damage” that was quickly contained, though four employees were injured. At Abu Dhabi International Airport, one person was killed and seven others wounded in what officials termed an “incident”.

Kuwait’s civil aviation authority also reported a drone strike at its airport, resulting in minor injuries and limited damage to the passenger terminal.

Palm, Burj Al Arab targeted

The UAE defence ministry said smoke and fires were visible near landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab. Witnesses described loud explosions and thick black smoke rising from a hotel on the Palm, with ambulances rushing to the scene.

Dubai’s media office later confirmed an “incident” at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area that triggered a fire. “Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals sustained injuries and have been transferred to medical facilities,” it said.

Indian nationals stranded

Several Indian nationals are reported to be stranded amid the escalating conflict, including actors Subhashree Ganguly and Sonal Chauhan. Ganguly was holidaying in Dubai with her minor son. Her husband, TMC legislator Raj Chakraborty, said they were safe at a hotel and awaiting the resumption of flights.

Ananya Datta, a resident of Kuwait, told HT she witnessed a drone hitting the local airport. Meanwhile, Kolkata mayor and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said his wife and two daughters were on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. His elder daughter, Priyadarshini, posted on social media that they were safe but had seen a missile flying overhead.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre was making continuous efforts to ensure the safe return of stranded Indians, describing the situation as “volatile” and “turbulent”, adding that operating flights in the region remains dangerous.