Abu Dhabi: Fear and uncertainty spread across parts of the United Arab Emirates after fresh missile and drone attacks were reportedly launched from Iran, forcing authorities to urge residents to remain indoors and move to safe locations. The latest escalation has deepened concerns that the conflict in the Gulf region could move into a more dangerous phase despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to regional and international reports, several aerial threats were detected late Thursday night near strategic areas in the UAE, including Fujairah, a major oil export hub located outside the Strait of Hormuz. UAE air defence systems were activated immediately and intercepted a number of incoming missiles and drones before they could reach populated areas.
Residents in some parts of the country described hearing loud explosions and seeing flashes in the sky as defence systems responded to the attacks. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising in distant areas, although officials urged people not to spread unverified information online.
The UAE government advised citizens and foreign residents to stay calm and follow official safety instructions. Emergency response teams were placed on high alert while security forces increased patrols around sensitive infrastructure, airports and oil facilities.
Iran has denied responsibility for directly targeting the UAE. Iranian officials instead accused Gulf countries of supporting American military operations in the region and warned against cooperation with the United States. Tehran claimed that foreign military presence in the Gulf was increasing instability and threatening regional security.
The incident comes at a time of already rising tensions between Iran and the United States following recent naval confrontations near the Strait of Hormuz. American officials claimed that Iranian drones and missiles targeted US naval destroyers travelling through the strategic waterway earlier this week. Washington later responded with military strikes against Iranian sites, increasing fears of a wider regional conflict.
Despite the latest violence, US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran was technically still in place. However, he admitted that military exchanges had continued in some areas. He also said diplomatic talks were still ongoing behind the scenes in an attempt to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes for global oil transport. Any threat to the waterway immediately affects international energy markets. Following the reported attacks, global oil prices rose sharply as traders feared possible disruptions to shipping and energy supplies from the Gulf.
International shipping companies are also closely monitoring the situation. Some vessels have reportedly delayed travel through Gulf waters while others changed routes because of growing security concerns.
The UAE government strongly defended its military and security cooperation with the United States and allied countries. Officials in Abu Dhabi stated that protecting national security and economic stability remains a top priority. The government also warned that it reserves the right to respond to any threat against its territory.
Meanwhile, several countries including France, Pakistan and Gulf neighbours called for urgent dialogue and restraint from all sides. International observers warned that continued attacks could destabilise the entire Middle East and damage already fragile diplomatic efforts.
For many ordinary residents in the UAE, the latest developments have created fresh anxiety about safety and regional stability. Schools and businesses continued operating in most areas, but authorities maintained emergency preparedness measures as the situation remained tense on Friday.