The UAE was targeted by Iranian strikes for a second day on Sunday as the authorities mounted a defence of the country.
The Iranian regime launched a large salvo of strikes across the Gulf following the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli bombing. US officials and observers suggested the bombing could go on for days or longer.
Jets were seen and heard over Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Air and ground forces sought to intercept missiles and drones. Doha and Manama, home to the Gulf's largest US airbase and naval bases respectively, were also targeted.
“We will leave no stone unturned to make sure that we do defend ourselves,” UAE’s Minister of State for International Co-operation Reem Al Hashimy told CNN after the unprecedented wave of attacks.
The minister said the UAE has some of the best air defences in the world. "However way they [Iran] want to move we will be ready for that," Ms Al Hashimy added. "We, of course, do not want further escalation. We are calling for calm and measured responses."
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, urged Iran's leaders to "return to your senses".
"Iran's aggression against the Gulf states missed its target and isolated Iran at its critical moment. Your war is not with your neighbours."
On Sunday, the UAE government urged the private sector to allow working from home on Monday and Tuesday, with the public sector expected to do the same. It advised companies to keep workers away from open spaces, likely due to concerns about shrapnel from munitions.
As of Sunday evening, the latest developments are:
- The UAE's Ministry of Defence said at least three people have been killed and 58 injured by drones and missiles launched from Iran since Saturday. The three dead are from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh
- Air defences on Sunday destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 311 drones. Eight missiles fell into the sea. Twenty-one drones hit civilian targets
- Since the start of the Iranian attacks on Saturday, 165 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran towards the country, 152 of which were destroyed. Thirteen fell into the sea.
- Two cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. It added that 541 Iranian drones were detected and 506 were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 fell inside UAE territory, causing damage.
- UAE airspace remains closed to all civilian aircraft. More than 20,000 passengers have been placed in hotels and temporary accommodation, and the state will bear all of the costs of their stay and meals, the General Civil Aviation Authority said
- One person died at Zayed International Airport due to falling debris after a drone was intercepted. Another died earlier on Saturday in an undisclosed location due to falling debris. Specifics of the third death were not given
- Seven people were injured at Zayed International Airport and a further four were hurt when Dubai International Airport was hit, authorities said. Video showed smoke in one of the concourses in Dubai
- Dubai's Fairmont hotel was hit by a projectile at about 6pm on Saturday. A fire was seen at the building's entrance. Four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment, authorities said
- A fire on the facade of Burj Al Arab hotel, sparked by falling debris from a drone, was brought under control on Saturday night. Dubai Media Office said there were no injuries
- Debris from an "aerial interception" caused fires at Jebel Ali Port. No injuries were reported. Dubai Media Office said footage from a fire in July 2021 was misleadingly circulated on social media and urged people to refrain from sharing it. News wire images showed some smoke coming from the area
- Two people were injured on Sunday when debris from an intercepted drone fell on residential homes. Explosions heard in the air were "due to the successful interception operations", Dubai Media Office said
- In Abu Dhabi, a woman and her child sustained minor injuries when debris fell from a drone that was intercepted at Etihad Towers. The building suffered "minor material damage", Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said
- All services, like power, internet and water are all working as normal, and food deliveries from shops and supermarkets, while in high demand, are still being carried out. Some shops have closed as a precaution
- Dubai Media Office said "our frontline heroes are taking all necessary measures to protect the public and ensure their safety"
- There was no official statement about the situation in the Northern Emirates, but there were no known reports of strikes or interceptions
- Schools have moved to remote learning Monday to Wednesday this week
- Supermarkets told The National there had been some instances of stockpiling food, but stressed that there were plenty of supplies available.
"We want to let our customers know that we are continuing to operate our stores as per normal and that our focus is on serving them during the current situation," said Warwick Gird, general manager for marketing and communication at Spinneys.
"Whilst our supply chain remains in a robust position, and we have contingencies in place, customers can also help by buying only what they need, and not resorting to stockpiling."
Hotels open for business, with some restrictions
Hotels on Palm Jumeirah are still open for business and catering for guests following a fire at the Fairmont on Saturday night.
The Fairmont itself remained open after debris from a drone landed outside the main entrance, staff told The National.
The beach and pool area remains closed, they said.
Hotels along the world-famous strip, including the Five and Atlantis, told The National the same, with bars and restaurants open but outside facilities largely closed.
"At this stage, our hotels continue to operate, and we have implemented appropriate precautionary measures to safeguard our guests and employees," said Tim Cordon, chief operating officer for Radisson Hotel Group's Middle East operations.
Many malls and shops were open later on Sunday, and supermarkets were largely open.
