UAE Says Iran Launched Renewed Missile and Drone Attacks as Emergency Alerts Hit Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems were active Monday evening against renewed missile and drone threats from Iran. The attacks marked the first major strike on a Gulf country since the U.S.-Iran ceasefire began in early April.

In one wave, UAE authorities said four cruise missiles were detected coming from Iran. Three were intercepted over UAE territorial waters, while the fourth fell into the sea.

Later updates reported that UAE air defenses had engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones from Iran on May 4.

Emergency Alerts Sent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi received emergency alerts warning of possible missile threats and telling them to seek shelter in secure buildings, stay away from windows, doors, and open areas, and wait for official instructions. Reuters also reported that UAE authorities issued mobile phone alerts warning of possible missile attacks.

“Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building, steer away from windows, doors, and open areas. Await further instructions.”

Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Fujairah Oil Zone

Authorities in Fujairah said a drone attack from Iran sparked a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone. Civil defense teams were sent to contain the blaze. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Three Indian nationals were moderately injured in the attack and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

UAE Condemns the Attack and Reserves Right to Respond

The UAE Foreign Ministry called the attacks a serious escalation and a direct threat to the country’s security. The ministry said the UAE reserves its full and legitimate right to respond.

“Full and legitimate right to respond.”

Iranian state media, citing a senior military official, denied that Iran planned to target the UAE.

Flights Disrupted as Threats Continue

The attacks caused major disruption to air traffic. Reuters reported that multiple flights bound for the UAE were diverted to Muscat, while other inbound aircraft circled over Saudi Arabia during the alert.

UAE authorities urged the public to rely only on official sources, avoid spreading rumors, and follow public safety instructions during alerts.

Schools and Universities Move to Remote Learning

The UAE Ministry of Education said schools will shift to remote learning from Tuesday, May 5, through Friday, May 8. The order applies to nurseries, public schools, private schools, students, teachers, and administrative staff.

Higher education institutions are also moving to remote learning during the same period, with some practical, clinical, lab, and exam programs exempt when in-person work is required.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Grow

The latest UAE attacks came as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continued to rise. U.S. Central Command said American forces were supporting “Project Freedom,” an effort to restore safe commercial shipping through the strait, and said no U.S. Navy ships had been struck.

ABC News reported that U.S. forces destroyed six Iranian small boats that were threatening commercial shipping, while Iran denied some U.S. claims connected to the clashes.

Israeli Air Defense Reportedly Used in UAE

An Israeli Iron Dome system reportedly intercepted an Iranian missile over the UAE on Monday, according to a source cited by CNN and reported by i24NEWS. The report said the system had been quietly deployed in the UAE with Israeli personnel earlier in the conflict.

The reported use of Israeli air defense on Emirati soil points to the growing security partnership between Israel and the UAE in the face of the Iranian threat.

The situation remains active, with UAE defenses on alert, schools shifting online, regional shipping under threat, and the U.S. warning Iran not to interfere with ships in the Strait of Hormuz.