Blasts echo Gulf region as oil tanker attacked off Oman leaves crew members injured

Blasts echoed across the Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha, and Manama on Sunday following a day of Iranian strikes carried out in retaliation for attacks by the US government and Israel.

The fresh explosions occurred after a day in which Iranian strikes hit the Abu Dhabi capital, as well as military bases and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, with the exception of Oman. Iran’s attacks on the Gulf heightened fears of a wider conflict and rattled a region long regarded as a haven of peace and security in the turbulent West Asia.

Air France said it had cancelled its flights scheduled for Sunday to Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh as a result of strikes on Iran by the US government and Israel and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, the airline said in a a statement. The suspensions came in addition to previously announced cancellations of flights to Tel Aviv.

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In an earlier attack, Dubai’s international airport sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory strikes spread across Gulf states and into wider West Asia, extending beyond US bases and interests. The emirate’s media office said four people were injured at the airport, confirming that “a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained,” without providing further details.

One of the berths at Jebel Ali Port also caught fire after debris fell during an aerial interception, the media office added.

Flights suspended amid regional airspace closures

Many airlines confirmed that all flights to and from the United Arab Emirates will remain cancelled until March 2, 2026, following widespread airspace disruptions triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the UAE all announced full or partial closures of their skies after smoke rose over Tehran and Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the region.

Air Arabia said it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE due to the ongoing airspace restrictions. Passengers with flights scheduled within the next 24 hours will receive notifications via email and SMS outlining alternative arrangements.

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Travellers who booked through agents have been advised to contact them directly. All passengers are encouraged to ensure their contact details are updated through the Manage Booking portal and to verify their flight status on the airline’s official website before travelling to the airport.

The airline stated it is monitoring developments closely and emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Customers were urged to rely on Air Arabia’s official communication channels for the latest updates.

Debris from intercepted drones injures two in Dubai

Authorities in Dubai confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell into the courtyards of two residential properties, injuring two people. Officials said the injured individuals have received the required medical treatment.

They also clarified that the loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful interception operations.

Drone strikes hit Duqm Port in Oman, injuring one worker

A drone strike targeted Duqm Port, injuring one worker after two unmanned aircraft hit the commercial facility, according to a security source cited by the Oman News Agency. One of the drones struck a mobile workers’ accommodation unit, leaving an expatriate worker injured, officials said.

The second drone’s debris landed near fuel storage tanks at the port, though authorities confirmed there were no casualties or damage in that incident.

Burj Al Arab confirms fire from drone debris

Dubai authorities later said a drone had been intercepted, with debris causing a minor fire on the outer façade of the Burj Al Arab, one of the emirate’s most recognisable landmarks. Opened in 1999 on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach, the sail-shaped tower has become a global symbol of the city’s luxury branding.

On Saturday, a separate fire broke out near a hotel on Palm Jumeirah, adding to concerns over the scale of the region-wide strikes.

Claims of terminal damage and casualties in Abu Dhabi

Aviation sources told Reuters that one of Dubai airport’s terminals was damaged in the overnight attacks. In Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Airports initially reported one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries after an incident at Zayed International Airport, though the post was later removed.

Iran fired missiles at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha, all major east-west aviation gateways. Airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on Saturday, including services to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Flight-tracking maps showed large areas of regional airspace almost completely empty.