Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 15: Loud explosions were heard in several parts of Dubai, including the Marina and Al Sufouh areas, while operations at the Fujairah Oil Terminal were halted after Iranian strikes on Sunday as the Middle East conflict entered its 16th day.
Authorities said several drones also struck Kuwait International Airport, though no injuries were reported there.
Thick black smoke was seen rising from the Fujairah terminal as emergency teams battled the blaze for hours. Officials said a Jordan national was injured in the incident.
The explosions were reported shortly after air defence systems successfully intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched by Iran, according to the city’s media office. Similar sounds linked to air defence interceptions had been heard in central Dubai on Saturday and in the city’s downtown area on Friday.
The latest attacks followed rising tensions after the United States carried out strikes on Iran’s key Kharg Island, which processes nearly 90 per cent of the country’s oil exports. Donald Trump said the strikes had “obliterated every military target” while sparing energy facilities on the island in the Persian Gulf.
Since the conflict began, Iran has reportedly launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates — the highest number directed at any country during the war. These include about 1,600 drones, 294 ballistic missiles and 15 cruise missiles. The attacks have killed six people and injured 141 others. On Saturday alone, nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones were fired toward the UAE.
The continuing attacks have raised concerns over the UAE’s reputation as a safe regional hub. Police have warned residents against spreading rumours and against photographing or sharing images of sensitive security locations. Authorities have also detained 10 foreigners accused of posting videos of missile and drone attacks on social media.
Meanwhile, several major energy facilities across the Gulf region have also been targeted. These include the Ras Tanura Refinery in Saudi Arabia, the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, and the complex housing the Ruwais Refinery.
Iran also issued its first warning to the UAE since the war began on February 28, urging people to evacuate three major ports that it described as “legitimate targets”, alleging they were being used by US forces.
In Tel Aviv, loud booms were heard as Iran launched another barrage of missiles toward Israel.
Explosions were also reported over Manama, where authorities said air defence systems had intercepted 125 missiles and 203 drones since the start of Iran’s attacks. Six people have been arrested for posting videos of the aftermath of strikes.
Amid escalating tensions, Formula One races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April were cancelled.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj Military Base also reportedly came under missile attack, while the military in Jordan said it intercepted 79 of 85 missiles and drones launched toward its territory.
With the conflict showing no signs of easing and with ongoing attacks involving the US and Israel, tensions have also grown around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has urged major oil-importing nations such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom to deploy warships to help secure the waterway.
Meanwhile, maintaining its neutrality under international law, Switzerland refused two requests from the United States to allow military overflights related to the ongoing Middle East conflict.