UAE reports air defenses intercept Iranian missiles, drones; flights diverted

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The UAE reported that its air defenses responded to missile and drone threats on Monday evening, as a large fire broke out at a key oil facility following an attack believed to have come from Iran. The country’s foreign ministry characterized the incident as a serious escalation that directly threatens national security, asserting its right to retaliate.

Several flights heading into the UAE were rerouted to Muscat, Oman, while others circled over Saudi Arabia, causing significant air traffic disruptions, according to flight tracking data. Iranian state media cited a senior military official denying any intent to target the UAE. The UAE’s defense ministry earlier announced it had intercepted three Iranian missiles over its waters, with a fourth missile crashing into the sea.

This attack ended a period of relative calm after a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan between Washington and Tehran took effect on April 8, halting over a month of intense Gulf-region fighting. Emergency teams responded immediately to contain the fire at Fujairah’s Oil Industry Zone. The Fujairah Media Office stated that three Indian workers sustained moderate injuries and were hospitalized.

By evening, air defense systems remained engaged against additional missile and drone threats. One inbound Dubai flight’s captain informed passengers that all airports in the UAE were temporarily closed, with planes redirected to Oman.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy released a map indicating an expansion of Iranian-controlled areas near the Strait of Hormuz, including UAE ports like Fujairah and Khorfakkan, along with parts of Umm Al Quwain. During recent fierce clashes, the UAE intercepted and destroyed thousands of drones and missiles.

Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi issued alerts warning residents of potential missile attacks. This was not the first strike on Fujairah’s energy infrastructure; a drone attack on March 14 previously targeted the Port of Fujairah, causing fires and halting some oil-loading operations.

Fujairah has been vital for UAE oil exports during the Iran conflict because it sits at the end of the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, which transports crude from inland fields to the Gulf of Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic positioning has allowed the UAE to continue shipping oil globally despite threats to the waterway.