Dubai News Now: Dubai International Airport Shut Down as Iran Missiles Rock UAE, One Dead
Dubai is in the grip of a full-scale security emergency on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Iranian ballistic missiles struck targets across the United Arab Emirates as part of Tehran's sweeping retaliation against the US-Israeli offensive on Iran, sending explosions across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. All flight operations at Dubai International Airport are suspended until further notice, and Americans in Dubai have been ordered to shelter in place.
Dubai Airport Shut Down: All Flights Suspended Until Further Notice
Dubai Airports confirmed that all flight operations at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International — are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights.
FlyDubai confirmed that some of its flights have been impacted by the temporary closure of several airspaces across the region, stating: "We are currently working to minimise disruption to our schedule, and affected flights are being rerouted, returning to stand, or cancelled." The airline called the situation ongoing and said it was monitoring developments closely. Dubai's aviation shutdown represents one of the most significant disruptions to the world's busiest international airport in the facility's history.
Explosions Reported Across Dubai as Iran Fires Missiles
Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as Iranian forces launched missiles targeting the UAE as part of their region-wide retaliatory campaign following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. Smoke rose over Dubai following a reported missile interception on February 28, after Iran vowed to respond decisively to the joint US-Israeli offensive. Residents across the city posted footage of the smoke columns rising over the skyline, with the images spreading globally within minutes of the initial blasts being heard.
Witnesses in Abu Dhabi reported hearing five rapid-succession explosions that caused windows to vibrate across the city's Corniche district. Dubai residents reported similar experiences, with the sound of interceptions audible across multiple districts simultaneously. The UAE's THAAD terminal air defense system was activated alongside Patriot batteries to neutralize the incoming barrage over both cities.
One Dead in UAE: Pakistani National Killed by Missile Debris
The UAE's Ministry of Defence confirmed that missile debris in a residential area led to the death of a civilian. The missile debris also resulted in some damage to infrastructure. The UAE expressed its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of the Pakistani national who passed away as a result of the attacks, reaffirming that the targeting of civilians and civilian objects is condemned and rejected under all legal and humanitarian standards.
Fragments of the intercepted missiles fell in various areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohamed bin Zayed City, and Al Falah, with no injuries reported in those locations. Authorities urged the public to avoid any areas where debris had fallen and to report suspicious objects to emergency services immediately rather than attempting to approach them.
US Embassy Dubai Orders Shelter-in-Place for All Americans
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai issued a shelter-in-place alert for all staff amid heightened security concerns on February 28, 2026, urging all Americans in the UAE to take cover until further notice. Residents are advised to find a secure location, keep a supply of food, water, medications, and essential items, monitor local media for updates, keep phones charged, and maintain communication with family and friends.
Americans in Dubai were directed to contact the US Consulate in Dubai directly for assistance and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for real-time security alerts. The embassy confirmed it was closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation across all seven UAE emirates and would provide updates as the security picture developed through the day.
UAE Security Situation: Under Control but Threat Remains Active
UAE authorities confirmed that the security situation in the country remains stable and affirmed its readiness to deal with any threats after successfully intercepting several Iranian missiles. The Ministry of Defence said all concerned entities are monitoring developments around the clock, adding that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors remains a top priority.
The UAE's Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law. It affirmed that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens, and residents. A second wave of missiles was subsequently intercepted with no further damage or injuries, the ministry confirmed, though the threat of additional salvos had not been ruled out by either side as of Saturday afternoon ET.
Global Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights as Saudi Arabia Condemns Iran
Virgin Atlantic cancelled its flight from London Heathrow to Dubai as a precautionary measure. Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Air India also announced disruptions to regional flights. The EU aviation agency issued a conflict-zone alert urging airlines to halt flights over the Middle East and Persian Gulf until Monday, citing high risks not only in Iranian airspace but in neighboring states hosting US military bases.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. Dubai authorities confirmed the emirate continues to carry out its operations as normal, reaffirming that the safety of citizens and residents is the highest priority even as the airport closure and missile interceptions signal an unprecedented threat environment for the global travel hub.
