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Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Iran War News Highlights: Dubai’s skies lit up on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as UAE air defence systems intercepted three ballistic missiles and eight drones, according to the defence ministry. Iran has now fired a cumulative 1,740 drones and 338 ballistic missiles at the UAE since February 28.
In a major escalation, Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. Neither hit, one failed in flight, and the other was intercepted by a US warship, but the strike signals Tehran may have longer-range missiles than previously assessed.
Iran’s IRGC command also warned it would subject Ras Al-Khaimah to “crushing strikes,” claiming US rockets were fired from UAE soil. The UAE denied this. Abu Dhabi Police detained 109 people for filming attacks and sharing misleading content online.
Iran struck Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery — processing 730,000 barrels per day — on Friday, triggering fires across multiple units. Saudi Arabia intercepted 22 Iranian drones targeting its Eastern Province oil reserves. Brent crude has surged from $70 to $119.50 per barrel since the conflict began. The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil flows, remains effectively closed.
Also Read: Strait of Hormuz explained | Petrol price impact in India today
Trump said Friday: “You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” while signalling a possible wind-down on Truth Social. Some Iranian oil sanctions have been temporarily lifted to cool prices, expiring April 19. Around 2,500 Marines are deploying aboard the USS Boxer.
Also Read: What are Trump’s five war objectives?
Six Indian nationals have been killed in the conflict. Air India and Air India Express are operating 42 flights to West Asia on March 21, including 26 UAE services. The MEA has urged Indians in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to register with their nearest Indian mission.
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.
Click here to read the latest Dubai, Abu Dhabi news live updates
Qatari Defence Ministry on Sunday confirmed that a military aircraft suffered a mechanical issue while on a routine operation, leading to the crash at sea. Following the crash, Qatar has initiated a search and rescue operation in its territorial waters.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that it has received a report of an incident on a vessel 15 nautical miles (27km) north of Sharjah.
The captain of a ship reported an explosion from an unknown projectile in "close proximity" to the vessel.
All crew have been reported safe, the UKMTO confirmed.
Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have confirmed that the sounds heard across parts of the Emirate were the result of successful air defence interception operations.
(Khaleej Times)
Any US military action against Iran’s Kharg Island could trigger a sweeping escalation, including disruption of security at the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait as well as further attacks on regional energy facilities, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News said citing a military source.
The source said that if Washington follows through on threats to invade the strategic oil hub, Iran would respond with measures “unprecedented” compared to those of the past three weeks.
(Khaleej Times)
Gold prices in Dubai continued its free fall to new lows on Saturday, as persistent regional tensions weighed on the market. The price of 24k gold stood at Dh541.50 when markets opened on Saturday.
This marked a whooping Dh103 fall from March 2 — just days after the start of the US-Israel-Iran war — when the prices stood at Dh645.25 per gram. Similarly, the rates of 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K slid down to Dh501.50, Dh480.75, Dh412.25 and Dh321.50 respectively on Saturday.
(Khaleej Times)
Three ballistic missiles and eight drones launched from Iran have been intercepted so far on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates, according to its Defence Ministry.
Leaders from the UAE, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia jointly condemned what they described as Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, as well as the “de facto closure” of the Strait of Hormuz.
"We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817," the statement read.
(Khaleej Times)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the occasion of Nowruz and Eid, and condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure across the region, which he said is “a threat to regional stability”.
“Spoke with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia,” Modi posted on X.
UAE Air Defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones, the ministry said in a post on X.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsالدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية تتعامل مع الصواريخ الباليستية والجوالة والمسيرات الإيرانية.
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 21, 2026
UAE Air Defences engaged Iranian
Ballistic and Cruise Missiles and UAVs Attacks#_ #__#mod#uaeministryofdefence pic.twitter.com/1JnsKhK5j0
Kuwait Airways announced that it will start to operate flights from Saudi's King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Khaleej Times reported.
The airline said that some of its flights will head to Cairo International Airport starting March 26 via King Fahd Airport.
Travel and check-in procedures will commence at Al Khiran Mall.
Gulf Air has announced that passengers holding tickets with original travel dates up to 15 April 2026 can rebook their flights free of charge on Gulf Air-operated services until 30 June 2026 amid major travel disruptions in the region.
Passengers booked on all Gulf Air flights up to 31 March 2026 can also request refunds without any fees.
(Khaleej Times)
A recent Iranian attack on Qatar's natural gas facility may affect the global helium market. The helium produced at the facility is used in chipmaking, space exploration and medical imaging.
Following the attacks, Qatar's state-owned gas company said helium exports would now be reduced by 14 per cent.
(AP)
Iranian military has warned the UAE against allowing attacks from its territory targeting the disputed Gulf islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb.
The islands, controlled by Iran but claimed by the UAE, lie near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
(Times of Israel)
South Korea has joined international efforts to ensure safe passage and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The country’s Foreign Ministry announced that it has signed a joint statement on the issue.
Earlier, Britain, France, Japan and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks.
(Khaleej Times)
Benchmark Brent crude futures have rose above $112 per barrel, while WTI has crossed the $98 mark.
Due to the supply disruption, Vietnam’s Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical has asked the government to prioritise the supply of domestically produced crude oil to its Dung Quat Refinery.
It also urged authorities to limit crude exports until at least the end of the third quarter this year.
The company said this step is needed to ensure national security.
(Reuters)
Due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, many Asian refineries and petrochemical companies have declared force majeure or shut down some of their units.
Asian steam crackers, which depend on the region for over 60 per cent of their naphtha feedstock for the production of ethylene and propylene, have also declared force majeure on petrochemical deliveries to customers.
(Reuters)
In an interview with Kyodo News, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that Iran had fully closed the strait, stating that restrictions apply only to countries involved in attacks, while others are being offered safe passage. Japanese ships will be sailing through Strait of Hormuz. Japan is the fifth-biggest oil importer in the world.
(Khaleej Times)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said its air defence systems intercepted and shot down 55 drones targeting the Eastern Region overnight.
(Gulf News)
Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said it is responding to incoming Iranian missiles and drones. It added that the sounds being heard are from air defence systems carrying out interception operations.
Several countries, like Britain, France, Japan and Canada, have issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, as well as the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. They said freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law and must be respected. The nations also said they are ready to take steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with producing countries to increase output and support the most affected nations through the United Nations and international financial institutions.
(Reuters)
The US is sending more Marines to the Middle East as tensions escalate after Iranian attacks disrupted global oil supply routes. Also, President Trump called NATO allies of cowardice for showing reluctance to send forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. With the Strait of Hormuz largely blocked, global energy prices are rising.
(AP)
United Airlines will cut about 5 percent of its flights in the coming months as rising fuel prices increase costs. It has pulled services to Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel and the Dubai International Airport in UAE, affecting about 1 percent of capacity. The airline is reducing less busy routes but says travel demand remains strong. It expects to return to a full schedule later this year.
(Reuters)
Dubai Police has advised residents to follow safety guidelines during Eid Al Fitr celebrations on Friday. Drivers are urged to remain calm if they receive alerts, avoid sudden stops, keep the left lane clear for emergency vehicles, and proceed to the nearest safe location. (Khaleej Times)
QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi said he had repeatedly warned global partners and US officials about the risk of attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure if Iran were targeted. An Iranian strike has now severely damaged the Ras Laffan LNG complex the world’s largest knocking out 17% of Qatar’s export capacity, with disruptions expected to last up to five years. Critical cooling units (“cold boxes”) were destroyed, halting operations and delaying a major expansion project. The escalation followed a South Pars gas field attack, prompting Iranian retaliation across Gulf energy sites. Kaabi said no prior warning was given. The damage is expected to disrupt LNG supplies to Europe and Asia, delay Qatar’s capacity expansion plans, and ripple across Gulf economies, affecting aviation, trade, and government spending. Restarting full production could take months even if hostilities cease.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced it intercepted and destroyed two drones over the Eastern Province. No details were given about their origin, and no casualties or damage were reported. (Al Jazeera)
Hezbollah has denied any presence in the United Arab Emirates after authorities arrested five people over an alleged Iran-linked “terrorist network.” The group called the accusations fabricated and reiterated it has no operations abroad. It also rejected similar claims by Kuwait, which recently reported arrests linked to a suspected sabotage plot.
The ongoing war in Iran has severely disrupted global air travel, with major Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi partially or fully shut, stranding thousands of passengers. Airlines worldwide have cancelled or reduced flights across the region, particularly to destinations such as Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.
Most carriers, including major international and regional airlines have suspended services through late March to May, while some cancellations and reduced schedules extend into mid- or late-2026. Airlines are rerouting flights, avoiding conflict-zone airspace, and adjusting schedules in response to safety concerns and airspace restrictions.
Kuwait praised the UAE’s security forces for dismantling a terror network linked to Iran and Hezbollah, reaffirming its firm stance against terrorism and full support for the UAE’s security and sovereignty. (Khaleej Times)
The Iran conflict has severely disrupted global air travel, with key hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi partially or fully shut, stranding thousands. Airlines worldwide have suspended or reduced flights across the Middle East especially to destinations like Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha, ranging from late March to as far as October in some cases. Many carriers are operating limited schedules or rerouting to avoid regional airspace, signalling prolonged disruption to international travel, according to Reuters' reports.
The UAE shot down 4 ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran on Friday. Since the attacks began, its air defences have intercepted 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1740 drones. The strikes have killed 2 armed forces personnel and 6 civilians of multiple nationalities, while 158 people have been injured, with varying degrees of severity.
The Embassy of India has expressed condolences following the death of an Indian national in Riyadh on March 18 amid the ongoing hostilities in the region. It confirmed that officials are in contact with the deceased’s family and local authorities, and assured that all possible assistance will be provided.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th.
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) March 20, 2026
The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this…
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has deployed over 200 experts to help Gulf nations counter Iranian drones. The move leverages Ukraine’s experience against Iran-supplied Shahed drones used by Russia since 2022. With a ~90% interception success rate, Kyiv is sharing cost-effective drone defence tactics with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Analysts say these countries were vulnerable to low-altitude drone threats from Iran due to a focus on expensive high-altitude missile systems. The cooperation highlights Ukraine monetising its battlefield expertise while shaping the wider West Asia conflict. (Al Jazeera)
Abu Dhabi Police arrested 109 individuals of various nationalities for filming incidents and sharing inaccurate information on social media during ongoing events. Authorities said such actions can spread rumours and disrupt public order. Legal measures have been taken, and the public has been urged to rely only on official sources and avoid sharing unverified content or sensitive footage, reported Khaleej Times.
Israel’s Oil Refineries , a refining and petrochemicals company, said on Friday that an Iranian strike on its complex in Haifa the previous day had damaged essential infrastructure, which was expected to return to operations within days.
The damaged infrastructure is owned by a third party, it said in a statement issued on the Tel Aviv stock exchange, without naming the owner. — Reuters
The UAE's Minister of International Cooperation met India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on March 19. The meeting included a review of recent regional developments, with a focus on stability and security concerns arising from Iranian missile attacks.
The two sides also discussed the strategic importance of maritime routes, along with the broader impact of the ongoing conflict on the global economy and energy security.
Pleased to meet UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy this afternoon.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 19, 2026
Thanked the UAE Government for taking care of the Indian community.
Discussed the latest developments pertaining to the conflict in West Asia. pic.twitter.com/hTfaFeFMwJ
The New Zealand Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory for all passengers travelling to or through the Middle East. The ministry said that if the conflict escalates, "you may not be able to leave."
If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may not be able to leave if conflict escalates.
— New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (@MFATNZ) March 20, 2026
Flights can change at short notice. Roads and borders can close. Even if your final destination is not in the Middle East your travel plans could still be disrupted. That is why we… pic.twitter.com/0eBFYYjl9L
Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have asked all worshippers not to gather outside for prayers and celebrations during this Ramadan. Officials of the respective countries announced the decision as a precautionary step following the escalating unrest in the region.
(Al Jazeera)
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced 10 recommendations to ease the consumer struggle due to the high energy prices. Working from home, using public transport and avoiding air travel are a few of the measures suggested by the IEA.
(CNN)
Following a fire, Kuwaiti Petroleum Corporation's Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery has shut multiple refineries as a precautionary step.
A Bahrain warehouse which caught fire has been confirmed as the result of debris hitting it from a projectile interception, the Bahrain Interior Ministry confirmed.
The Qatar Interior Ministry said the warehouse fire in the Birkat Al Awamir area is now under control, with no casualties.
(Gulf News)
Fire broke out in a Bahrain warehouse as a result of Iranian attacks. Bahrain Civil Defence forces said that the fire is now extinguished. About 20 vehicles alongside 62 officers and personnel were deployed at the scene.
(KhaleeJ Times)
Etihad Airways said that it will be operating a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations. All passengers are advised to travel only after confirming with the airline the scheduled flights.
The Kuwaiti Petroleum Corporation's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was a target of an Iranian drone attack on Friday morning. Following the drone attack, several units of the refinery caught on fire. No casualties were reported at the scene as of now.
(Al Jazeera)
The US Saudi Embassy to remain closed for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The embassy will remain closed from March 20 and resume its operations on Monday, March 30, 2026.
The Embassy has shared emergency contact numbers in case of emergencies.
👁 ImageSome of the Al Ahmadi Port Refinery units caught fire, following the morning hostile Iranian drone attack in Kuwait.
Al Ahmadi Port Refinery is affiliated with the Kuwaiti National Petroleum Company.
(Khaleej Times)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed extended festivities wishes to all celebrating Eid Al-Fitr.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, our family in the UAE, and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. We remain confident that our region will overcome its current challenges, and that the UAE, through its strength, resilience, and the loyalty and unity of its people, will continue to advance towards a peaceful and prosperous future," He wrote on X
The Iranian attack on Qatar's liquefied natural gas export has reduced its capacity by 17 per cent. The reduced capacity poses supply disruptions to Europe and Asia, including South Korea.
But the South Korean trade, industry and resource minister, Kim Jung-Kwan, said that it is highly unlikely that the country will face any major supply disruptions from Qatar. Kwan said that the LNG imports from Qatar are about 14 per cent, and the chance for the disruption to pose a major problem is unlikely.
(Reuters)
Eid celebrations carried on in Middle Eastern countries while remaining vigilant. Countries have issued safety advisories for all the celebrations.
The price quality for Murban crude in the Dubai crude benchmark has been suspended, said S&P Global Platts, an energy and commodities intelligence provider.
(Reuters)
Sirens were activated by the Bahrain Interior Ministry following the detection of an incoming threat. All residents were urged to head to the nearest safe locations and follow the official safety precautions.
Amid a continued stream of drone attacks in Saudi, an incoming drone aimed at Al-Jawf province was intercepted. Al-Jawf province lies to the north of the country.
(Al Jazeera)
The Kuwait Defense Ministry has intercepted a barrage of missiles fired over its territory. The government has urged all its residents to follow the safety protocols issued by the local administrations.
The Saudi Arabia defence ministry confirmed that it destroyed nine more drones that targeted the country's Eastern Province, a key oil field region, reports Al Jazeera.
On Friday morning, the UAE defence ministry alerted all its residents of an incoming Iranian air threat, which was later confirmed to be successfully intercepted by the air defence system.
The authorities clarified the noises reported were the result of the defensive measures undertaken by the air military forces to intercept the drone.
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