The UAE is on high alert after a series of drone and missile incidents near Dubai and Sharjah, as the West Asia conflict enters its second month and air defence systems operate at full capacity.
A Kuwaiti oil tanker, the Al Salmi, was struck by a drone shortly after midnight while anchored off Dubai’s coast. All 24 crew members were safe and no oil leaked. Separately, a drone hit the administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications Company in central Sharjah, with no injuries reported. Debris from air defence interceptions later sparked a small fire in an abandoned house in Dubai’s Al Badaa area, leaving four people with minor injuries. Explosions were also heard across parts of the city around midday as authorities warned of incoming threats.
On March 30 alone, defences intercepted 11 ballistic missiles and 27 drones. Since fighting began on February 28, more than 1,941 drones and over 425 missiles have been intercepted nationwide.Schools moved to distance learning until April 17, and Emirates airline advised passengers booked through April 30 to check schedules. The Dubai Executive Council approved a one billion dirham relief package for businesses, as oil prices climbed toward 110 dollars a barrel amid growing disruption to Strait of Hormuz shipments.
