Iran Drone Strike Hits Dubai Airport, Flights Briefly Halted

Fresh explosions were reported in Dubai on Saturday morning after Iran launched drone strikes targeting Gulf countries amid its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

One of the drones struck near Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport and a major global transit hub, causing panic among passengers and temporary disruption to flight operations.

Videos circulating on social media showed a drone hitting the airport area, followed by a large cloud of smoke rising from the site. According to reports by The Associated Press, passengers waiting for flights rushed into underground train tunnels inside the airport after emergency alerts were triggered.

Airline giant Emirates announced that all flights to and from Dubai were temporarily suspended “until further notice” due to the incident. However, the suspension was lifted shortly after operations were stabilised.

Several loud explosions were heard across the city during the attack. Dubai authorities confirmed that the country's air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming drones and missiles.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates have faced repeated attacks since the start of the conflict last week. Officials say most of the missiles and drones launched toward the UAE have been successfully intercepted. However, falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles has occasionally caused smoke, small fires, and minor damage in some areas.

On Friday, Dubai authorities reported a “minor incident” caused by debris from an intercepted object, which was quickly contained by emergency teams.

Hours after the latest explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the nation on television. He announced that Iran would temporarily pause strikes against neighbouring Gulf countries unless attacks against Iran were launched from those territories.

Pezeshkian also apologised to Gulf nations and stated that Iran has no intention of invading other countries, despite increasing military pressure from the United States and Israel.

The situation remains tense across the Gulf region as military activity and security alerts continue.