US-Israel war on Iran, day 8: US forces hits Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains; UAE intercepts missiles, drones

We are closing coverage for now. Follow our live updates for the latest developments here.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting multiple drones targeting key areas across the kingdom on Sunday. A drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field was intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter. Three drones were downed east of Riyadh, and six more were intercepted further east of the city. In the city of Riyadh, attempted attacks with three drones were thwarted following their shootdown. An attempted drone attack targeting the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh was also stopped, with no material damage or civilian casualties reported. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to protect strategic sites and civilians.

Brigadier General Saud Al Otaibi, the official spokesman for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense, confirmed that Kuwaiti air defense systems are currently intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks targeting the country.

In an official statement, Al-Otaibi said that any explosion sounds heard in certain areas are the result of air defense systems successfully intercepting incoming threats.

He urged citizens and residents to remain calm and strictly follow the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities, emphasizing the importance of relying on official updates during the ongoing developments.

Norwegian police reported on Sunday an explosion near the US embassy in the capital Oslo, but said there were no casualties.

The explosion occurred around 1 am local time (0000 GMT), the Oslo police department said in a statement, adding they had no information about the blast's cause or who was behind it.

The police said it was in contact with the embassy about the incident and that a large number of resources were on site.

US embassies have been placed on high alert in the Middle East over American military operations in Iran and several have faced attacks as Tehran hits back at industrial and diplomatic targets.

But police gave no indication the incident near the embassy in Oslo was connected to the conflict.

The Saudi defence ministry said Sunday it had intercepted a drone attack targeting the diplomatic quarter in the capital Riyadh, reporting no casualties or damage.

"An attempt to target the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh with a drone was thwarted; no material damage or civilian injuries resulted from shooting down the drone," the ministry said in a statement posted on X.

The Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) announce that its headquarters had been targeted, which results in material damage to the building.

Lebanon's health ministry said Sunday that an Israeli strike on a hotel in central Beirut killed at least four people and wounded 10 others.

An AFP photographer at the bombarded seafront hotel saw one room with shattered windows, while security forces cordoned off the area.

The Israeli military earlier announced it had "begun an additional wave of strikes in Beirut", but said it was targeting the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs, a stronghold of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The United States Central Command (CentCom) said their forces are operating alongside regional allies to counter threats from Iran, warning that Tehran’s actions are destabilising the Middle East.

In a statement posted on X, CentCom said American troops are “standing shoulder to shoulder with regional partners” to defend against what it described as deliberate and indiscriminate threats linked to the Iranian regime.

The command said the operations are aimed at protecting US personnel, allied forces, and key infrastructure across the region. CentCom's statement, posted on X, belied claims by the Iranian regime recently stated (through their verified U.N. X account) that it has only tried to target military sites, and that Iran's missiles and drones were thrown off course by US "Jedi mind tricks".

US officials have repeatedly said the mission focuses on defending American forces, supporting allies, and deterring further attacks that could threaten regional stability.

CentCom, which oversees US military activities across the Middle East, including critical sea lanes used for global trade and energy shipments, said operations will continue as directed by US leadership.

Kuwait's defence ministry said on Sunday that fuel tanks at the Gulf nation's international airport were targeted in a drone attack, as Iran continued its strikes across the region.

"The fuel tanks of Kuwait International Airport were attacked by drones in a direct targeting of vital infrastructure," an official defence ministry spokesman said, according to a post by the Kuwaiti military on X.

The spokesman added the country's forces were "responding to a wave of hostile drones" that penetrated the country's airspace.

The Kuwaiti army said the explosions heard recently were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets, urging the public to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

US President Donald Trump evoked Saturday the idea of sending ground troops into Iran to secure the country's stockpiles of enriched uranium, as part of efforts to dismantle Tehran's nuclear program.

"At some point maybe we will. That would be a great thing," he told reporters during a briefing aboard Air Force One.

"We haven't gone after it but it's something we could do later," he said.

Some critics of the US-Israeli war on Iran, launched last Saturday, have said air strikes alone are unlikely to achieve the stated goals of destroying Iran's military capacity and preventing it from developing a nuclear bomb.

Asked about the use of ground troops in general, Trump did not rule it out, saying: "Could there be? Possibly, for a very good reason - it'd have to be a very good reason."

"And I would say if we ever did that, they would be so decimated that they wouldn't be able to fight at the ground level," he said.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said Sunday it had intercepted and destroyed 14 drones that entered the kingdom's airspace, as Iran presses on with attacks across the Gulf.

Eight drones were intercepted in the country's airspace and a further six were intercepted and destroyed "east of Riyadh", the ministry said in separate posts on its official X account.

Qatar's defence ministry said on Sunday that Iran had fired a dozen missiles at the country a day earlier, as Tehran continued its strikes across the Gulf.

"Qatar's Ministry of Defense announced that the State of Qatar was subjected yesterday, Saturday, to an attack involving 10 ballistic missiles and 2 cruise missiles launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran," the ministry posted in a statement on X.

It said the Gulf nation's military intercepted six ballistic missiles, while two fell in the country's territorial waters, and two landed in an "uninhabited area", adding that it intercepted two cruise missiles.

Israeli airstrikes on several targets in southern Lebanon Saturday killed eight people, according to a toll released by the health ministry.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that a series of Israeli airstrikes had targeted more than 20 towns and villages in southern Lebanon.

"Six people were killed by an Israeli airstrike on the town of Kherbet Selm," the health ministry reported. A second strike killed at least two people in Kfar Rumman near the city of Nabatiyeh, it added.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday blamed Iran for a deadly strike on an elementary school in the southern Iranian town of Minab.

"We think it was done by Iran. Because they are very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever," Trump told reporters following a New York Times investigation that found the US military was most likely responsible.

Neither Israel nor the United States has claimed responsibility for the attack, which Iranian officials say killed at least 150 people. AFP has been unable to reach the location to independently verify the toll or the circumstances of the attack.

Iran's security chief Ali Larijani said on Saturday that the United States and Israel were seeking to break the Islamic republic apart.

"Their issue was... the fundamental disintegration of Iran," said Larijani in a pre-recorded interview broadcast on state TV.

He said the US was seeking to replicate in Iran a scenario similar to Venezuela, where interim president Delcy Rodriguez has cooperated with him under threat of violence after Washington ousted her boss, Nicolas Maduro.

"I think the most important problem the Americans have is that they do not understand the context of West Asia, especially Iran," said Larijani.

"Their perception was that it would be like Venezuela - they would strike, take control, and it would be over - but now they are trapped."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel would continue its war with Iran "with all our force", and alongside the United States had gained near-total control of the skies over Tehran after a week of strikes.

"We have a systematic plan to eradicate the Iranian regime and achieve many other objectives," Netanyahu said in a televised address.

"Citizens, you are telling me, the government and our heroic soldiers to continue until victory, and I thank you. I can assure you that we will continue with all our force," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader said that thanks to the bombing campaign by Israeli and American pilots "we have gained almost complete control of the airspace" over Iran's capital.

Speaking to the Iranian people, he said the "moment of truth" was coming as Israel was seeking to help liberate them from the "yoke of tyranny".

He said that Israel had managed to "transform the Middle East" and shift the balance of power in the region.

Israel's military said earlier that it had carried out around 3,400 strikes on Iran during the first week of the war, dropping roughly 7,500 munitions.

US and Israeli strikes hit an oil depot in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian state media said, marking the first reported attack on the Islamic republic's oil infrastructure.

"An oil depot in southern Tehran was targeted by the US and Zionist regime," the official IRNA news agency said.

The depot was in an area close to a key oil refinery but the ILNA news agency reported that the refinery's facilities "were not damaged in the military attacks".

Strikes hit another oil depot in northwestern Tehran, according to an AFP journalist who saw flames and smoke rising from the site.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a war in the Middle East.

Iran responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as US interests across the region.

The Israeli military said Saturday that it had carried out around 3,400 strikes on Iran since Israel and the United States started the war against Tehran a week ago.

Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said that roughly 7,500 munitions had been dropped on targets in Iran during the operation.

Separately, Israel's military said Saturday evening that it had begun a new "wave of strikes" in Tehran.

Ankara on Saturday warned Tehran against any attempts to fire towards Turkish territory just days after NATO intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran heading towards Turkey.

"We are not a country that is easily provoked," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told journalists in Istanbul.

"We spoke with our friends in Iran and said if this was a missile that lost its way, that's one thing. But if this is going to continue... our advice is: be careful, don't let anyone in Iran embark on such an adventure."

Authorities in Dubai have confirmed that debris from an aerial interception fell onto a vehicle in the Al Barsha area, killing the driver, an Asian national.

The Dubai Media Office shared the information on their X page, and emergency teams responded promptly to the incident. Investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.

The United States on Saturday condemned Iran's drone strikes earlier this week on an Azerbaijan border region, describing the attack as a "needless escalation" of aggression by Tehran during the Middle East war.

The State Department said Thursday's "unprovoked drone attack" targeted an airport and school in Azerbaijan's exclave of Nakhchivan bordering Iran, and that innocent civilians were injured.

"These strikes are a flagrant violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and a needless escalation of Iran's aggression," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement, adding that attacks on American partners in the region "are unacceptable and will be met with resolute US support for those partners."

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Saturday it had struck the United States' Juffair base in Bahrain, adding that it had been used to attack an Iranian desalination plant earlier in the day.

"In response to the aggression of American terrorists from the Juffair base against the Qeshm desalination plant, this American base was immediately struck by precision-guided solid-fuel and liquid-fuel missiles of the IRGC," the Guards said on their website.

Saudi Arabia said a missile that had targeted one of its air bases fell "in an uninhabited area" on Saturday as Iran continued its strikes across the Gulf.

"A ballistic missile fell in an uninhabited area after being launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base," the defence ministry said.

 US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that American forces have inflicted severe damage on Iran's military infrastructure, claiming Tehran's naval and air capabilities had been crippled during the latest phase of fighting.

Speaking at the Shield of the Americas Summit in Doral, Florida, Trump said the US military operations had achieved sweeping battlefield results.

"Tremendous progress has been made, as you've probably been watching," he added.

"I built the military and rebuilt it and made it really strong in my first administration."

Trump said that American forces had rapidly dismantled key Iranian assets.

"We've knocked out 42 Navy ships, some of them very large, in three days. That was the end of the Navy," he added.

He also claimed Iran's communications network had been disabled.

The US President described the operation as necessary to counter a nuclear threat.

"They (Iran) were very close to a nuclear weapon," Trump said, adding: "They would have had one if we didn't do our B-2 hit 'Midnight Hammer'."

He said the operation was aimed at preventing a larger global crisis.

Authorities in Dubai responded to an incident in the Dubai Marina area after debris from a successful air interception fell onto the façade of a tower.

No injuries were reported, the Dubai Media Office confirmed in a post on their X page. Emergency teams inspected the site and ensured public safety.

The UAE’s air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats originating from Iran, the Ministry of Defence UAE has confirmed.

In a public alert issued on Saturday, authorities said the loud sounds reported in various parts of the country were caused by the interception operations of air defence systems targeting missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks on its Gulf neighbours hosting US forces on Saturday and vowed no surrender despite threats from President Donald Trump to widen the conflict.

Israel and the United States pounded Iran again, with one air strike setting a Tehran airport ablaze, but Iran demonstrated that it retained the capacity to riposte militarily.

There were air raid warnings and blasts in Jerusalem in Israel and Doha in Qatar, and two waves of attacks on the UAE and Bahrain in the early morning and again in the afternoon.

A strike targeted a military base belonging to the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi in northern Iraq on Saturday, two Hashed sources told AFP.

"An airstrike, likely American, hit a Hashed base south of the city of Mosul," an official said. Another source confirmed the strike took place.

The Hashed Al Shaabi, or the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), is an alliance of factions now integrated into the regular army that also includes powerful Iran-backed groups.

Austria said Saturday is it moving its embassy in Iran to neighbouring Azerbaijan because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has put Tehran under regular US-Israeli airstrikes.

"Because of current developments the Austrian embassy in Tehran is being temporarily moved to Baku," a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement said to AFP.

"Consular services are suspended until further notice," he added.

Iran's hardline judiciary chief said the Islamic republic would continue targeting regional neighbours offering its enemies "points... used in agression against our country".

"Evidence from Iran's armed forces shows that the geography of some countries in the region is openly and covertly at the disposal of the enemy," said Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, who is also a member of the interim leadership council.

"The heavy attacks on these targets will continue," he added.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the UAE would emerge stronger from the ongoing war and warned that the country should not be mistaken for weak, stressing that the UAE is “not an easy target”.

Speaking during a televised interview while visiting injured victims in hospital, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE may appear attractive and inspiring, but its strength should not be underestimated.

“The UAE may appear attractive, but its hand is firm,” he said, adding that the country will continue to fulfil its duty to protect the nation, its people, and those who live in it.

The President made the remarks during a visit to a hospital where he checked on five people injured in the recent incidents, including two Emiratis, one Indian, one Sudanese, and one Iranian.

“God willing, they will leave the hospital safe and well,” he said.

Sheikh Mohamed also expressed appreciation to the UAE Armed Forces for their role and distinguished performance during the recent events, and thanked other institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, security agencies, and civil defence, for their efforts.

The President concluded by expressing confidence that the UAE would overcome the current challenges and emerge stronger, praying for the continued safety and security of the country and everyone living in it.

The UAE's air defence systems are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday, as loud sounds were reported in several parts of the country.

In a statement, the ministry said the noises heard across different areas were the result of air defence systems intercepting missiles and drones targeting the UAE.

Authorities urged members of the public to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities, as defence systems continued to address the threats.

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior has also issued an emergency alert, urging residents to seek immediate shelter following warnings of a potential missile threat.

Israel's military said on Saturday it had struck 16 Iranian aircraft at Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport, which it said was a key hub for the Islamic republic's Revolutionary Guards.

"Overnight, the Israeli Air Force... completed a broad wave of strikes across Tehran and on military infrastructure located at the 'Merabad Airport' in Tehran", it said in a statement.

"16 aircraft of the 'Quds Force' unit of the IRGC were precisely dismantled", it said, referring to the branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guards that oversees its foreign operations.

The military accused the Guards of using Mehrabad International Airport, one of two that serve the capital, to send cash and weapons to its proxies in the Middle East, including Lebanon's Hezbollah.

"Also targeted were several Iranian fighter jets that posed a threat to Israeli Air Force aircraft operating in Iranian airspace", the statement added.

Earlier on Saturday, Israel's military said more than 80 fighter jets completed a wave of strikes on Iranian military sites, missile launchers and other targets in Tehran and central Iran on the same day.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they have targeted "separatist groups" in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as the war against Israel and the US entered its second week.

An official from an exiled opposition group in Kurdistan told AFP that drones struck positions belonging to three Iranian Kurdish parties without causing casualties.

The Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency that "three locations of separatist groups in the Iraqi region (of Kurdistan) were hit... this morning."

"If separatist groups in the region make any move against Iran's territorial integrity, we will crush them," the Guards added.

Turkey is considering the possibility of sending F-16 fighter jets to Northern Cyprus as a security measure, a Turkish defence ministry source said Saturday, days after the island was targeted by a drone attack.

"In light of recent developments, phased planning is being carried out to ensure the security of the TRNC," the source said referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a territory which is only recognised by Ankara.

"The deployment of F-16 aircraft to the island is among the options being considered."

Cyprus, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency, has been directly affected by retaliatory attacks to US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with an Iranian-made drone hitting a British base on the island on Monday.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said its forces have targeted a Marshall-islands flagged oil tanker on Saturday in the Gulf as the war with Israel and the United States raged.

"An oil tanker with the trade name 'Louise P' with the flag of the Marshall Islands, one of the assets of the terrorist America, was hit by a drone in the middle of the Persian Gulf," the Guards said on their website Sepah News.

Kuwait has implemented a precautionary reduction in crude oil production and refining operations following repeated attacks in the region and threats to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said on Saturday.

In a statement carried by the state news agency KUNA, the company said the decision was taken as part of its risk management strategy to ensure business continuity amid the current security situation.

KPC said the adjustment is purely precautionary and will be reviewed as developments unfold, adding that the corporation remains fully prepared to restore production levels once conditions allow.

The company stressed that all domestic energy needs remain fully secured in line with existing supply plans.

SalamAir has announced a temporary suspension of flights to multiple destinations due to airspace closures caused by ongoing regional developments. The airline said the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.

Flights to and from Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran will be suspended until March 28, 2026. Meanwhile, flights to and from Kuwait City, Sharjah, Doha, and Dammam are on hold until March 20, 2026.

All affected passengers will be contacted directly with alternative options. SalamAir has urged travellers not to go to the airport unless notified and advised those seeking assistance to contact their 24/7 support team at +968 2427 2222 or via email at customercare@salamair.com.

Air Arabia has announced that it has resumed a limited number of flights to and from the UAE, starting Saturday, 7 March. Passengers are advised to check the current flight schedule on the airline’s Travel Update page before making any travel plans.

Customers whose flights were previously cancelled can rebook if they have not yet used their modification or refund options. New tickets are available for purchase through the Air Arabia website, mobile app, or authorised travel agents.

The airline has emphasised that passengers should not go to the airport unless they have received a direct notification from Air Arabia or hold a confirmed booking on the published flights. Those with cancelled flights will be informed via email and SMS, with alternative options provided.

Israel's military on Saturday warned residents in a district of south Lebanon's Tyre to evacuate ahead of strikes on Hezbollah military infrastructure.

"The IDF will soon strike military infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, following its prohibited attempts to restore its activity in the area", the army said in a message addressed to residents of Zuqaq al-Mafdi in Tyre also published on social media in Arabic.

Israel sent ground troops to Lebanon and conducted many airstrike on the country this week after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah joined its ally Iran in strikes responding to a US-Israeli attack on the Israeli republic.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Saturday warned Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that his country would pay a "very heavy price" if it fails to disarm Hezbollah.

Addressing the president, Katz said in a statement broadcast on Israeli television that if "the choice becomes protecting our civilians and the safety of our soldiers or Lebanon, we will choose to defend our civilians and our soldiers, and the government of Lebanon and Lebanon will pay a very heavy price."

Israel sent ground troops to Lebanon and conducted many airstrikes on the country this week after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah joined its ally Iran in strikes responding to a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic republic.

The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has detained three individuals—two nationals and one Colombian—after a video surfaced showing them mocking the country’s current situation. Authorities said the actions constituted spreading false news, harming national interests, and misuse of telecommunications.

The ministry emphasised that such behaviour is unacceptable, and legal procedures have been initiated. Citizens are urged to follow laws governing social media use and avoid circulating content that could harm the state, with strict enforcement promised amid ongoing regional tensions.

Trump made the comments on his Truth Social website, noting an apology by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier in the day to neighboring nations over Tehran’s attacks.

“Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time,” Trump wrote, without elaborating.

Etihad updates flight schedule, urges passengers to check bookings

Etihad Airways has shared the latest flight schedule for the coming days. Guests with existing bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible, and tickets are available for sale via etihad.com.

Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking.

Key guidance for travellers:

• Check flight status before travelling: etihad.com

• Ensure contact details are up to date in your booking

• Guests with tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, for travel up to 21 March 2026, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights until 15 May 2026

• Guests on flights until 21 March can request a full refund via refund form or through their travel agent

• Those who booked via a travel agent should contact their agent directly

Etihad noted that high call volumes may cause delays and encourages passengers seeking refunds to use the online form.

The airline reaffirmed that safety remains the top priority, and operations will resume only once all safety criteria are fully met.

The UAE’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones on Saturday as part of a new wave of attacks targeting the country, the Ministry of Defence said.

According to the ministry, air defences detected 16 ballistic missiles on March 7, destroying 15 of them, while one missile fell into the sea. Authorities also detected 121 drones, of which 119 were intercepted, while two fell within the UAE’s territory.

Since the start of the Iranian attacks, the UAE has detected 221 ballistic missiles, destroying 205 of them, while 14 fell into the sea and two landed inside the country.

The ministry said 1,305 drones had also been detected since the beginning of the attacks, with 1,229 intercepted and 76 falling within UAE territory. In addition, eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.

The attacks have resulted in three fatalities, nationals of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, and 112 minor injuries involving individuals from multiple nationalities including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian and Turkish.

The Ministry of Defence said it remains fully prepared to confront any threats, stressing that the armed forces are ready to respond decisively to any actions that threaten the country’s security, sovereignty and stability while protecting national interests and assets.

The Israeli military says its special forces conducted an operation deep inside Lebanon in an attempt to gather information about an Israeli navigator who has been missing for nearly 40 years.

The Israeli army’s Arabic spokesman posted on X that no evidence was found related to Israeli pilot Ron Arad, who was captured alive after his fighter jet crashed over south Lebanon in 1986.

According to Lebanon’s state media, Israeli forces landed in the eastern Lebanese town of Nabi Chit late Friday and were intercepted by members of the militant Hezbollah group, triggering a gunfight that lasted until the early hours of Saturday.

Ron Arad was believed to have been held in Nabi Chit until 1988, when he went missing.

Dubai Police have reminded residents that seemingly harmless photos can be misused to spread misinformation. Images may be altered or taken out of context, potentially compromising sensitive locations and national security.

Authorities stressed that community awareness is the strongest line of defence. Residents are urged to avoid photographing or sharing sensitive sites, helping maintain public safety and stability.

Together, the community can ensure a safer environment for all, the police said.

Sri Lanka will treat Iranian sailors rescued from a torpedoed frigate according to international law, a minister said Saturday, following reports Washington was pressuring Colombo to not repatriate them.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told a conference in New Delhi that Sri Lanka was caring for 32 sailors from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena under Colombo's international treaty obligations.

The frigate was sunk by a US submarine on Wednesday just off Sri Lanka's southern coast. Sri Lanka sent its navy to rescue survivors and recover 84 bodies.

Asked if Colombo was under pressure from the US to not repatriate the Iranians, Herath did not answer directly.

"We have taken all the steps according to international laws," Herath said.

The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon on Saturday urged Lebanon and Israel to enter talks to negotiate an end hostilities after the outbreak of a renewed Israel-Hezbollah war.

"As bad as things are today, they are set to get even worse," Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said.

"Talks between Lebanon and Israel can be the game changer needed to save future generations from going, time and again, through the same nightmare".

Explosions were heard and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Saturday as the US-Israeli war with Iran entered a second week.

The Israeli authorities gave the all clear shortly afterwards and the country's first responders agency Magen David Adom said no injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath.

Overall the Israeli military said it detected 11 launches from Iran towards Israel in the past 24 hours.

Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said on Friday that there had been a "real decrease" in the number of launches from Iran after almost a week of barrages.

He added that more than 60 percent of Iranian launchers had been destroyed in the US-Israeli bombing campaign.

Iran's army said Saturday its navy had launched a wave of drone attacks targeting Israel as well as US bases in Kuwait, as the regional war raged into its second week.

"The Iranian Navy targeted American bases and occupied territories with a massive wave of drone attacks," the army said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

It said the targeted a "strategic facility" in Israel.

IndiGo has issued a travel advisory as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The airline’s teams continue to prioritise reuniting customers with loved ones, and over the past few days, flights have helped many passengers reach key destinations.

Current operations

Today, IndiGo is operating flights to five destinations in the region, subject to safety conditions and regulatory approvals. Passengers are strongly advised to check flight status here

before heading to the airport, as schedules may change at short notice. The airline emphasises that the safety and wellbeing of customers and crew remain central to all operational decisions.

Bahrain International Airport has announced that it will remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing closure of the country’s airspace.

Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities have extended the closure of the country’s airspace until 12:00 noon (9:00 GMT) on Tuesday as a temporary precautionary measure.

Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates on flight schedules and travel plans, as the situation continues to evolve.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that the UAE labour market continues to operate efficiently and steadily, with companies across all economic sectors maintaining full capacity and uninterrupted operations despite regional and global developments.

Four pillars of resilience

The ministry highlighted four key factors that have made the UAE’s business environment a global model for resilience and adaptability:

1.      A flexible work ecosystem that ensures continuity of services.

2.      Advanced digital infrastructure supporting efficient sector operations.

3.      Strong field readiness for precise, proactive labour market management.

4.      Sustained confidence in the labour market through transparency and disclosure.

These pillars reinforce investor confidence and underscore the robustness of the UAE economy, allowing it to navigate challenges while maintaining operational excellence.

Oman Air has cancelled several regional and international flights between March 9 and March 11 as continuing airspace closures linked to regional tensions disrupt aviation across parts of the Middle East.

In a travel advisory issued on Saturday, the airline said services to and from a number of destinations would be suspended during the period.

The affected routes include flights connecting Muscat with Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab, according to the airline.

Oman Air said the cancellations were necessary due to ongoing disruptions to regional airspace that have affected flight operations across the region.

The airline added that additional flights will be scheduled to accommodate affected passengers once operations return to normal.

Passengers have been advised to regularly check the airline’s official website and mobile application for the latest updates to flight schedules and to manage their bookings.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has confirmed that hotels, attractions, cultural sites, museums, and experiences are fully operational. Public services, transport networks, and cultural attractions continue to operate normally.

Travel and accommodation guidance

Over the weekend, hotels were advised to extend check-out dates for guests affected by disrupted flights or cruise schedules. Visitors still facing challenges with their onward journey are encouraged to coordinate directly with their hotel front desk or airport/cruise staff.

Hotel staff can provide guidance on compensated stays and covered services based on individual bookings and instructions received. For any travel-related concerns, guests should contact the relevant service personnel directly for assistance.

Bahrain’s military intercepted two missiles and a drone on Saturday, the Defense Ministry said.

That brought to 86 missiles and 148 drones that have been intercepted over Bahrain since the US and Israel launched war against Iran last weekend.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a postponement of Class XII board examinations in the Middle East regions, including Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Class 12 exams postponed

Exams scheduled for March 9, 10, and 11 have been postponed. The Board will review the situation on 10 March 2026 and issue further instructions regarding exams from March 12 onwards.

Student guidance:

All Class XII students are advised to stay in close contact with their schools and follow official CBSE announcements carefully.

Class 10 exams cancelled

All Class X examinations scheduled between March 2–11, 2026 have been cancelled. The Board will notify students of the result declaration process separately.

Note: These decisions have been taken after a critical review of the prevailing situation, ensuring the safety of students and the smooth conduct of exams.

India’s foreign minister said Saturday that an Iranian naval vessel has docked in India, after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship and another vessel sought assistance from Sri Lanka. 

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the IRIS Lavan is docked in southern Kochi city, after India granted permission when the vessel reported “having problems” on March 1. “I think it was the humane thing to do,” Jaishankar said.

A US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Another vessel, the IRIS Bushehr, requested assistance from Sri Lanka and more than 200 sailors were brought ashore. Both ships had previously taken part in naval exercises hosted by India, but Jaishankar said they got “caught on the wrong side of events” once the war began.

Flights in and out of Dubai have resumed as of 07 March 2026. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and thanks customers for their patience. The safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority.

Travel advisory
Passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or official rebooking confirmation. Connecting passengers via Dubai will only be accepted if their onward flight is operating.

Booking and rebooking

• Check flight status before heading to the airport.

• Bookings available via flydubai.com, the flydubai app, Contact Centre (+971 600 54 44 45), flydubai Travel Shops, or travel agents.

• Passengers travelling between 28 February and 31 March can rebook within 30 days at no extra charge.

• Travel agent bookings must be handled directly through the agent.

Customer support
The Contact Centre is experiencing high call volumes. Passengers are asked to be patient while teams assist as quickly as possible.

Dubai Airports is currently handling a high number of passenger enquiries and assures that its team will respond as soon as possible.

Passengers are asked to use official channels for a direct response:

• WhatsApp: https://wa.me/97142245555

• Live chat: https://dubaiairports.ae/contact-information

Passengers are reminded not to travel to the airport unless their flight is confirmed by the airline, as schedules are still subject to change.

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended its flight operations due to the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace. The airline will resume services once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms a safe reopening.

Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman urged Iran to "avoid miscalculation" on Saturday, following missile and drone launches against the kingdom.

In a series of statements, the Saudi defence ministry said it had thwarted repeated missile launches at an air base which houses US military personnel and drone attacks at a major oil field.

Israel's military began a new wave of air strikes on the Iranian cities of Tehran and Isfahan, it said Saturday, as the US-Israeli attack against the Islamic republic entered its second week.

"The IDF has begun a broad wave of strikes toward infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran and Isfahan," a military statement said.

The military said earlier Saturday that 80 fighter jets had completed another wave of strikes on Tehran and central Iran.

The National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management has urged residents to follow safety instructions upon receiving alert messages.

Officials warned against leaving homes, stopping vehicles, or taking photos during alerts. Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately and remain in safe locations until the “all clear” is issued.

Drivers should continue to their destination and then move to the nearest secure place. Authorities cautioned that failing to comply may result in legal consequences and stressed that cooperation ensures public safety.

Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) airports have partially resumed operations from 7 March, with a limited number of flights now departing.

Passengers are advised not to go to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their flight, as schedules remain subject to change. Travelers should check official airline updates before heading to the airport.

The Ministry of Defence of Qatar confirmed that the country was targeted by waves of attacks from Iran, involving 10 drones between dawn and early evening.

Qatari Armed Forces successfully intercepted nine drones, while one struck an uninhabited area with no casualties reported.

The ministry emphasised that the Armed Forces are fully equipped to protect Qatar’s sovereignty and respond decisively to any external threat. Citizens, residents, and visitors were urged to remain calm, follow official instructions, avoid rumours, and rely only on verified information from official sources

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that his country would never surrender to Israel and the United States, as Middle East war entered its second week.

Iran's enemies "must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves," Pezeshkian said, in a speech broadcast on state TV.

Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran on February, 28 killing the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggering a regional conflict.

Iran has since responded with missile and drone strikes on Israel and US interests in regional countries, mainly in the Gulf.

Pezeshkian is among three members of an interim leadership council that has been in charge of Iran since Khamenei's killing.

During the speech, Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries for Iran's attacks across the region, saying that they would not be targeted unless attacks originated from them.

"I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran," he said.

"The interim leadership council agreed yesterday that no more attacks will be made on neighbouring countries and no missiles will be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries."

The Ministry of Defense announced that Qatar’s armed forces successfully repelled a missile attack targeting the country, QNA reported.

Lebanon's health ministry on Saturday said Israel's strikes on Nabi Sheet in east Lebanon a day prior killed at least 16 people, with Hezbollah saying Israeli troops infiltrated the town from the air.

In a statement, the ministry said "the series of raids launched by the Israeli enemy on the town of Nabi Sheet in the Baalbek district resulted in a preliminary toll of 16 killed and 35 wounded".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that his country will not surrender to Israel and the United States as the war entered its second week.

"The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves," said Pezeshkian, in a speech broadcast on state TV.

TEHRAN, March 7, 2026 (AFP) - Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised on Saturday to neighbouring countries for attacks launched during the Islamic republic's war with Israel and the United States.

"I apologise... to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran," said Pezeshkian in a speech broadcast by state TV.

Passengers with confirmed bookings advised to proceed to the airport

Flights now operating

Emirates has resumed operations. Passengers with confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai, provided their connecting flight is also operating.

Check schedules and bookings

Customers can check flight schedules and book seats via emirat.es/nowoperating

Emirates continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust its operational schedule as needed.

Passenger safety remains priority

The airline thanked customers for their patience and understanding, emphasising that the safety of passengers and crew remains the highest priority and will not be compromised.

Emirates will resume operations. Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating.

Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel via http://emirat.es/nowoperating.

Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.

In order to ensure the safety of passengers, employees, and airline crews, operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. Authorities are managing the situation in line with approved safety protocols.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they had targeted an oil tanker in the Gulf in their conflict with Israel and the United States.

"This morning, an oil tanker with the trade name Prima was hit by an exploding drone after ignoring repeated warnings from the IRGC naval forces regarding the prohibition of traffic and the insecurity of the Strait of Hormuz," the Guards said in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

All flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until further notice. Emirates advised passengers not to travel to airports and thanked them for their patience. The airline stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.

Options for affected passengers (28 Feb – 31 Mar)

Rebook flights: Passengers can rebook to their intended destination for travel on or before 30 April. Those who booked through a travel agent should contact them; direct bookings can be managed at emirat.es/support

• Request a refund: Passengers can request a refund via emirat.es/refund

• Travel agent bookings should be handled through the agent.

Stay updated

Passengers are advised to ensure their contact details are correct at emirat.es/managebooking to receive timely updates.

City check‑in points closed

All city check‑in points across Dubai are temporarily closed until further notice.

Foreign ministers of the Arab League will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss "Iranian attacks on the territories of several Arab countries", the bloc's assistant secretary-general told AFP.

The meeting, which will be held via videoconference, was requested by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, Hossam Zaki said.

Dubai’s Global Village will remain closed on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, as a precautionary safety measure in line with official guidance.

Organisers advised visitors to follow the attraction’s official website and social media channels for the latest information, including updates on when the destination will reopen.

Lulu Group has begun flying in fresh food supplies to the UAE on special chartered cargo flights to ensure steady stock levels across its supermarkets. A recent Etihad Airways cargo freighter delivered around 12,000 packages of fresh produce from India to Abu Dhabi, weighing about 80,000 kilograms. Earlier shipments also included about 80 tonnes of meat from New Delhi, with additional consignments being arranged from cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, along with other sourcing markets including Melbourne. The retailer said more cargo flights are expected in the coming days to maintain supplies of fresh food and essential products in its UAE stores.

A Ministry of Defense spokesperson confirmed that a drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field was intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter, ensuring the area’s security, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Drone intercepted east of Riyadh

Officials also reported that another drone was intercepted and destroyed east of Riyadh, maintaining the safety of surrounding regions.

Israel's military said more than 80 fighter jets completed a wave of strikes on Iranian military sites, missile launchers and other targets in Tehran and central Iran on Saturday.

"Over 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets... completed an additional wave of strikes targeting infrastructure belonging to the Iranian terror regime," the military said in a statement.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defence systems are actively intercepting incoming missiles and drones from Iran, amid ongoing regional hostilities. Officials noted that the loud sounds reported by residents are caused by interception operations and not direct impacts on populated areas. Residents are urged to remain in safe locations and follow official updates.

Emergency alert issued in UAE

The Ministry of Interior has sent an emergency alert to mobile phones across UAE, warning of a potential missile threat. Residents are instructed to seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building, stay away from windows, doors, and open areas, and await further instructions. Authorities stressed the importance of relying on official channels for the latest warnings and updates.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they were waiting for US forces to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway where traffic remains strangled as the regional war rages.

"We are waiting for their presence," said Guards spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini, after the US energy secretary announced the Navy was preparing to escort ships through the strait "as soon as it's reasonable to do it".

"We recommend that before making any decision, the Americans remember the fire of the American supertanker Bridgeton in 1987 and the oil tankers that were recently targeted," Naini said, according to Fars news agency.

The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) reported that its air defence systems have successfully destroyed 84 missiles and 147 drones targeting the kingdom since the start of Iranian attacks. The General Command praised its personnel for their combat readiness and operational excellence, assuring that Bahrain’s skies remain secure.

Authorities urged residents to stay home unless necessary, avoid affected areas or suspicious objects, refrain from filming military operations, and rely only on official sources for updates. The BDF highlighted that targeting civilian areas violates international law and threatens regional peace and security.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulazi, urged Iran on Saturday to "exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation", following repeated missile and drone launches at the kingdom.

After meeting with Pakistan's military chief, the Saudi minister posted on X: "We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them... We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation."

The Criminal Investigation Department at Qatar’s General Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested an Arab national for publishing a series of social media posts insulting the State of Qatar and its institutions.

Authorities said the posts attempted to undermine the Qatari Armed Forces, spread malicious content, and defame several Gulf countries, violating applicable laws. The accused has been referred to the competent authorities for legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that it will take strict action against anyone using social media to circulate misleading information, rumours, or content that threatens public security or harms state institutions.

A Ministry of Defense spokesperson confirmed that two ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base were intercepted and destroyed, ensuring the safety of the facility and surrounding areas.

Four drones neutralised near Shaybah

The spokesperson also reported that four drones heading toward the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter, maintaining security over the vital energy site.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with Gulf Cooperation Council authorities to ensure the safe and smooth return of Bahraini citizens abroad through land border crossings. The Ministry is monitoring citizens’ situations around the clock via diplomatic missions and providing support as needed. Citizens abroad are urged to register their contact and residency details online and contact Bahrain’s diplomatic missions or the 24/7 Ministry helpline in emergencies.

Registration link https://registration.mofaservices.gov.bh| Helpline: 0097317227555

Kuwait Airways is operating a special flight to transport citizens returning to Kuwait from Manila and Bangkok, with arrivals via Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The airline urged travellers near these destinations who wish to return to Kuwait to book on this flight by contacting the Customer Service Call Center.

An AFP journalist heard an explosion in Jerusalem on Saturday, after air raid sirens warned of an incoming Iranian missile attack.

The Israeli military said earlier that air defences were "operating to intercept the threat", before giving the all-clear.

Passengers on a Kuwait Airways flight from London landed in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and continued home by land. The operation, coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and civil aviation authorities, ensures a safe and orderly return. Citizens’ travel will follow a gradual schedule, with Saudi transit visas required for overland travel. Kuwait Airways emphasised safety, security, and continuous coordination with authorities.

Dubai authorities confirmed that a minor incident caused by falling debris following an interception has been successfully contained.

No injuries reported

Officials stated that no one was injured during the incident.

Social media reports inaccurate

Authorities denied circulating claims of any incidents at Dubai International Airport, urging the public to rely on official updates.

The Israeli military said that air defences were responding to an Iranian missile attack on Saturday.

Forces had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said in a statement.

Air raid alerts across the country's north were lifted several minutes later.

The Ministry of Defense reported that a drone was intercepted and destroyed east of Riyadh, ensuring the safety of the area, according to state news agency SPA.

Multiple drones downed in the Empty Quarter

Officials confirmed that two drones heading toward the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed, following earlier reports of four drones targeting the same area.

Ballistic missile intercepted

A ballistic missile launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base was successfully intercepted and destroyed, according to the Ministry spokesperson.

Kuwait Airways announced that it will operate flights to destinations including Barcelona, Milan, Paris, Munich, and Bangkok for residents returning to Kuwait via overland travel through Saudi Arabia.

Passengers must hold a valid Saudi transit visa to use the service.

The airline confirmed that flights are available both to passengers with existing bookings and those looking to purchase new tickets.

The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) announced Friday evening that Spring 2026 midterm examinations, originally scheduled for this period, have been postponed until further notice.

In a statement on its official X account, CCQ said the move reflects concern for the safety of students and staff amid current circumstances. The college urged students to regularly monitor their emails and official CCQ platforms for updates, including alternative exam dates to be announced later.

Ain Dubai and Dubai Parks and Resorts will be closed on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March as precautionary safety measures in line with official guidance. Visitors and guests with existing tickets or bookings are advised to check the attractions’ official websites for the latest updates before planning their visit.

Israel said on Friday that Iran had launched cluster bombs "multiple times" since the start of the war that began with a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic republic over the weekend.

Cluster munitions explode in mid-air and scatter bomblets. Some of them do not explode on impact and can cause casualties over time, particularly among children.

Iran and Israel are not among more than a hundred countries that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs.

The Iranians "are using cluster munitions", Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told a news briefing, without providing details on when or where those munitions were allegedly launched.

"They've used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it's directed towards civilians, and we're tracking that situation," Shoshani said.

Saudi Arabia said Saturday it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired at an air base which houses US military personnel, as Iran pressed attacks across the Gulf.

"A ballistic missile launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base" southeast of the capital Riyadh was "intercepted and destroyed," the Saudi defence ministry posted on X.

In a separate incident, the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a defence ministry spokesperson saying a drone attack targeting a major oil field near the Emirati border had been thwarted.

"Attempted attack on the Shaybah field; six drones intercepted and destroyed," the agency reported.

Qatar’s General Civil Aviation Authority announces partial resumption of air traffic through dedicated emergency routes with limited capacity, in coordination with the Qatari Armed Forces and relevant authorities.

US President Donald Trump is to attend the dignified transfer on Saturday of six soldiers killed in an Iranian attack on Kuwait, the White House said Friday, as the escalating war with Tehran brings home its first American dead.

The troops were killed Sunday when a drone struck a key US command center in Kuwait's southern industrial hub of Port Shuaiba, a day after the United States and Israel launched a sweeping military campaign against Iran.

The ritual takes place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where the remains of US troops killed overseas are returned to American soil.

The fallen soldiers - five men and one woman aged 20 to 54 - were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, a unit responsible for supplying troops with food, fuel, equipment and ammunition.

A dignified transfer is one of the most solemn duties undertaken by a US president.

Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump

Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled

Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure

Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate

Day 3: Trump lists 'clear' Iran war objectives

Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations

Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed

• Air defences active: UAE intercepted 9 ballistic missiles and 109 drones on 6 March; total since attacks: 205 missiles and 1,184 drones. Eight cruise missiles also destroyed.

• Casualties: 3 fatalities and 112 minor injuries reported among residents of multiple nationalities.

• President visits victims: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited injured residents, praised public cooperation, and thanked medical teams.

• Flights resuming:

  - Emirates gradually restoring full network; operating ~60% of destinations.

  - Etihad Airways resumed limited flights from 6 March.

  - flydubai operating reduced schedule; gradually adding flights.

  - Air Arabia resumed limited flights; passengers advised to check updates.

• Tourism operating smoothly: Hotels, resorts, shopping centres, and attractions—including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi—fully operational with safety measures.

• Fujairah Oil Industry Zone fire contained: No injuries; Crown Prince praised security and safety teams.

• Public warned against misinformation: Authorities caution against sharing images or AI-manipulated content; reliance on official sources only urged.

• Friday sermons emphasise unity: Mosques called for resilience, trust in leadership, and highlighted that Islam forbids harming the innocent.

• Ain Dubai & Dubai Parks closures: Closed 7–8 March as precaution; visitors with bookings should check official websites.

• Supermarkets stable: No panic buying; stock levels strong, imports ongoing.

• Safety guidance: Follow official alerts, avoid debris/shrapnel, do not film incidents, keep safe distances, report emergencies to 999.

• Overall: UAE remains resilient, with air defences active, public services running normally, and residents adhering to safety guidance.