Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi News LIVE Updates: UAE air defenses intercept 16 ballistic missiles, 113 drones on March 8
Kartavya Desk Staff
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Kuwaiti Army said that its air defences were confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army noted that if explosion sounds were heard, they were the result of air defence systems intercepting the hostile attacks.
Pakistani driver killed after missile debris falls on vehicle: Dubai authorities said that debris from an aerial attack fell onto a vehicle in the Al Barsha area, killing a Pakistani driver.
Drone attacks kill 4 in UAE: The incident takes the death toll to four in the United Arab Emirates, with individuals from Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities.
UAE air defences intercept 15 ballistic missiles: The UAE announced that its air defence systems had detected 16 ballistic missiles, out of which, 15 were intercepted and destroyed, while one ballistic missile fell into the sea. Air defence systems also detected 121 UAVs, of which 119 were intercepted, while two fell within UAE’s territory. “Since the start of the blatant Iranian aggression, a total of 221 ballistic missiles have been detected, of which 205 were destroyed, while 14 fell into the sea and two missiles landed within the territory of the UAE. A total of 1,305 Iranian UAVs have also been detected, of which 1,229 were intercepted, while 76 UAVs fell within the territory of the UAE. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Here are the major developments
• Drone debris hits tower in Dubai Marina: Debris from an intercepted missile hit the façade of a tower in Dubai Marina.
• Temporary disruption at Dubai airport: Operations at Dubai International Airport were briefly disrupted after aerial attacks triggered safety concerns.
• ‘Capable of continuing at least a 6-month intense war,’ says Iran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in a statement said that Tehran was capable of “continuing at least a 6-month intense war.” “The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are capable of continuing at least a 6-month intense war at the current pace of operations,” Fars news agency quoted Guards spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini as saying.
• Public safety warning: UAE authorities issued a stern warning against filming or sharing “sensitive videos” of military interceptions or strike locations, stating that it would pose a threat to national security.
• Education and utilities: Early spring breaks have been made compulsory for schools and universities across the UAE, with some exams cancelled.
As misinformation regarding “missile alerts” circulates on social media, The Indian Express Global Desk adheres to rigorous verification standards. Our reporting is grounded in direct updates from the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the Saudi and Bahraini Ministries of Defence.
*Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.*
The UAE Defense Ministry released footage of UAE air defenses intercepting and destroying Iranian UAVs.
لقطات تظهر اعتراض وتدمير الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية طائرات مسيّرة إيرانية حاولت استهداف الدولة.لا تهاون بأمن الوطن وسيادته... والقوات المسلحة الإماراتية جاهزة لردع أي تهديد.Footage showing the UAE’s air defences intercepting and destroying Iranian UAVs that attempted to… pic.twitter.com/vvHmZkcBri— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) <a href="https://twitter.com/modgovae/status/2030664175811199400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etf
لقطات تظهر اعتراض وتدمير الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية طائرات مسيّرة إيرانية حاولت استهداف الدولة.لا تهاون بأمن الوطن وسيادته... والقوات المسلحة الإماراتية جاهزة لردع أي تهديد.Footage showing the UAE’s air defences intercepting and destroying Iranian UAVs that attempted to… pic.twitter.com/vvHmZkcBri
The Kuwait Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the country has detected 234 missiles and 422 drones so far since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, 2026.
The ministry wrote that the conflict led to the martyrdom of two Kuwaiti Armed Forces members and two Land Border Security members, alongside the injuries and deaths of several civilians and two members of the General Department of Land Borders Security.
ترأس معالي الشيخ جراح جابر الأحمد الصباح، وزير الخارجية، اليوم الأحد الموافق 8 مارس 2026، وفد دولة الكويت المُشارك في أعمال الدورة غير العادية لمجلس جامعة الدول العربية على المستوى الوزاري، والتي عُقدت عبر الاتصال المرئي والمسموع، لمناقشة الاعتداءات الإيرانية القائمة على الدول… pic.twitter.com/IHZr2wto3n— وزارة الخارجية (@MOFAKuwait)
ترأس معالي الشيخ جراح جابر الأحمد الصباح، وزير الخارجية، اليوم الأحد الموافق 8 مارس 2026، وفد دولة الكويت المُشارك في أعمال الدورة غير العادية لمجلس جامعة الدول العربية على المستوى الوزاري، والتي عُقدت عبر الاتصال المرئي والمسموع، لمناقشة الاعتداءات الإيرانية القائمة على الدول… pic.twitter.com/IHZr2wto3n
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised all its citizens to stay alert and follow the guidelines provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in India and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah services still function normally through VFS.
Important Advisory dated 08 March 2026 pic.twitter.com/1GP9oUmJVY— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) March 8, 2026
Important Advisory dated 08 March 2026 pic.twitter.com/1GP9oUmJVY
The US State Global Public Affairs assistant secretary said over 32,000 Americans have returned to the US from the Middle East since February 28.
Thousands of Americans have been reported to be safely evacuated from the Middle East using two dozen charter flights, as per the US State Department.
Since February 28, over 32,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East. These figures do not include the many Americans who have safely relocated to other countries or those who have departed the Middle East but are still in transit…— Dylan Johnson (@ASDylanJohnson) March 8, 2026
Since February 28, over 32,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East. These figures do not include the many Americans who have safely relocated to other countries or those who have departed the Middle East but are still in transit…
Etihad announced the flight schedule for March 10, 2026. The first flight departing is at 8.05 to Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. The first arrival will be from Zurich at 7.20.
The latest flight schedule can be found at: https://t.co/xOQs6ucQGX pic.twitter.com/kK0LHcHnuk— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 8, 2026
The latest flight schedule can be found at: https://t.co/xOQs6ucQGX pic.twitter.com/kK0LHcHnuk
The UAE Foreign Affairs ministry said that it is acting on self-defence after the attacks by Iran, involving 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones targeting infrastructure and civilian sites, causing casualties.
The ministry in its statement said that the attacks violate international law and the UN charter.
The UAE added that it does not seek escalation but reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and the safety of its citizens and residents under international law.
The Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Australian Consulate General in Dubai have been closed due to security concerns.
The US State Department has assigned hundreds of staff members to assist Americans who are travelling from Middle Eastern regions.
عزّرت وزارة الخارجية فرق الاستجابة عبر تعيين مئات الموظّفين لتلقي المكالمات ومساعدة الأمريكيين على العودة إلى ديارهم بسرعة وأمان.من المساعدة في السفر إلى إرشادات السلامة، نحن على استعداد لخدمة الأمريكيين في الخارج على مدار الساعة طوال أيام الأسبوع.للحصول على المساعدة في…— الخارجية الأمريكية (@USAbilAraby)
عزّرت وزارة الخارجية فرق الاستجابة عبر تعيين مئات الموظّفين لتلقي المكالمات ومساعدة الأمريكيين على العودة إلى ديارهم بسرعة وأمان.من المساعدة في السفر إلى إرشادات السلامة، نحن على استعداد لخدمة الأمريكيين في الخارج على مدار الساعة طوال أيام الأسبوع.للحصول على المساعدة في…
Etihad flight schedule for March 8, 2026. The first flight departing is at 2.00 to Paris. The first arrival from Milan will be at 7.20.
The latest flight schedule can be found at: https://t.co/xOQs6ucQGX pic.twitter.com/7AyyUI36gn— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 8, 2026
The latest flight schedule can be found at: https://t.co/xOQs6ucQGX pic.twitter.com/7AyyUI36gn
The Dubai Minister of Economy and Tourism told the public not to hoard food supplies and reassured them that food and other goods will be available at reasonable prices in the markets.
عبدالله بن طوق المري، وزير الاقتصاد والسياحة: البضائع متوفرة بكميات كبيرة من مختلف أنحاء العالم بما يلبي الاحتياجات الرئيسية للمستهلكين في الدولة، وندعو الجمهور إلى عدم تخزين المواد الغذائية، ونؤكد توافرها في جميع الأسواق بأسعار مناسبة. pic.twitter.com/KsLHz4jmfk— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice)
عبدالله بن طوق المري، وزير الاقتصاد والسياحة: البضائع متوفرة بكميات كبيرة من مختلف أنحاء العالم بما يلبي الاحتياجات الرئيسية للمستهلكين في الدولة، وندعو الجمهور إلى عدم تخزين المواد الغذائية، ونؤكد توافرها في جميع الأسواق بأسعار مناسبة. pic.twitter.com/KsLHz4jmfk
The UK government has opened a flight booking portal for British nationals in Dubai.
Today we have opened a booking portal for British nationals in Dubai wishing to access UK government provided flights. We are prioritising those who are most vulnerable and our teams are in touch with those who have registered. Our priority remains the safety of our… pic.twitter.com/E6hYYOxaVB— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 8, 2026
Today we have opened a booking portal for British nationals in Dubai wishing to access UK government provided flights. We are prioritising those who are most vulnerable and our teams are in touch with those who have registered. Our priority remains the safety of our… pic.twitter.com/E6hYYOxaVB
Oman Air cancelled flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, and Khasab from Monday, March 9, to Sunday, March 15.
The cancellations came into effect following the airspace closure in the Middle Eastern regions.
⚠️ Dear valued guests,Due to ongoing regional airspace closures, the following flights have been cancelled:Monday, 9 March through Sunday, 15 March 2026:All flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Kuwait (KWI), Copenhagen… pic.twitter.com/eemDExKHXD— Oman Air (@omanair) March 8, 2026
⚠️ Dear valued guests,Due to ongoing regional airspace closures, the following flights have been cancelled:Monday, 9 March through Sunday, 15 March 2026:All flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Kuwait (KWI), Copenhagen… pic.twitter.com/eemDExKHXD
UAE air defenses detected today (March 8, 2026) 17 ballistic missiles, with 16 ballistic missiles destroyed, while 1 ballistic missile fell into the sea. Additionally, 117 drones were detected, with 113 drones intercepted, while 4 drones fell within the country's territory.
Amid the ongoing war between Iran and Israel, several countries have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to avoid visiting certain areas in the Middle East. However, since earlier this week, some nations in the region have reopened their airspace and allowed the operations of limited flight services.
However, amid the tense situation, travellers can still visit Dubai as several scheduled and non-scheduled flights continue to operate to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), connecting the city to more than 80 destinations across the globe, including India.
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The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its national air defences are currently engaged in responding to "incoming missiles and drones from Iran", as reported by Al Jazeera.
The military response follows a wave of aerial threats targeting the Gulf nation. Authorities stated that the audible disturbances and explosive sounds heard across the country are the "result of air defences intercepting the projectiles" launched from Iranian territory.
The Ministry's announcement serves to contextualise the heightened state of alert in the region, as defence systems work to neutralise threats before they reach their intended targets.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Qatar Airways, in a post on X said, "Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities. A further update will be provided on 09 March."
"Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming a limited operating corridor, Qatar Airways intends to operate the following flights arriving to Hamad International Airport on 09 March: Amsterdam (AMS), Berlin (BER), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Zurich (ZRH), Muscat (MCT). These flights are only for passengers whose final destination is Doha. To book, please visit the Qatar Airways website or App or a travel agent," the flight carrier added.
Qatar Airways Operates Limited Flight Schedule to and from Doha.Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full…— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 8, 2026
Qatar Airways Operates Limited Flight Schedule to and from Doha.Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full…
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Air India and Air India Express are maintaining scheduled flights to Jeddah and Muscat, deemed safe for operations. To bring stranded passengers back, additional non-scheduled flights will operate to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Sharjah on March 8.
"Additional non-scheduled flights are planned to operate to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah and Sharjah on 8 March, to bring stranded passengers back to India. Due to the dynamic situation in West Asia, flight schedules can change at a short notice. We recommend verifying your flight status at our website before you leave home. We will continue to provide flight updates on your registered numbers as well. Please connect with our 24×7 Contact Centre for more information," the flight carrier said in a post on X.
#importantupdate Air India and Air India Express are committed to flying you to your destination and continue to operate scheduled flights to/from Jeddah and Muscat which are assessed safe for operations.Additional non-scheduled flights are planned to operate to and from Abu…— Air India (@airindia) March 7, 2026
#importantupdate Air India and Air India Express are committed to flying you to your destination and continue to operate scheduled flights to/from Jeddah and Muscat which are assessed safe for operations.Additional non-scheduled flights are planned to operate to and from Abu…
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: The Israeli military issued a warning stating that it would continue pursuing every successor of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli military, in a post on X also threatened to pursue every person who seeks to appoint a successor for Khamenei.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: In a post on his Truth Social handle, US President Donald Trump said, "The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East."
"That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!"
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: US President Donald Trump said that he is not interested in negotiating with Tehran, and also raised the possibility that war with Iran would go on until Tehran has a functioning military or any remaining leadership in power.
"At some point, I don't think there will be anybody left maybe to say 'We surrender,'" Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, according to Reuters.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority says Iranian attack on a water desalination facility had no impact on water supplies, water network capacity.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has warned the Indians in UAE against taking any photographs of the incident sites or posting them on social media.
ADVISORY against unauthorized filming of incident sites or prohibited areas or inside the airport(s). pic.twitter.com/IsWqgdAGi8— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) March 8, 2026
ADVISORY against unauthorized filming of incident sites or prohibited areas or inside the airport(s). pic.twitter.com/IsWqgdAGi8
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran “will be forced to respond” to any attack or an attempt of invasion by the neighbouring country, in remarks aired by state TV on Sunday.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Bahrain said three people injured, material damage inflicted on university building in Muharraq following 'Iranian aggression'.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Kuwaiti army, in a post on X said, “Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks. Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities.”
تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/4K6jf6jdvq— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) March 8, 2026
تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/4K6jf6jdvq
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: The UAE’s NCEMA said that its air defence system was responding to a missile threat and issued a warning to residents to remain in a safe location.
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Attack News Live Updates: Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian said that the “enemy had misconceived my words” and wanted to “sow division with neighbours”, according to state TV. He said that the retaliatory strikes against US-Israel doesn’t mean there was a “problem with neighbours”.
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