DUBAI: The UAE will emerge “stronger” after the Middle East war, the president told Abu Dhabi TV on Saturday, as Iran continued its strikes across the Gulf.
The UAE “is in a period of war,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan told the TV channel, but “we will emerge stronger.”
"All is well in the UAE and that the country will remain strong thanks to the solidarity of its society and the efficiency of its military and civil institutions," he said in a statement later in the day.
He praised the conduct shown by the UAE community and said the UAE would overcome the current situation.
He made the comments as he visited a those injured in the Iranian attacks amd on another day of strikes against his country and other Gulf nations.
The UAE’s defense ministry said earlier on Saturday it was responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.
“MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones,” the defense ministry said on X.
A mobile alert was sent advising residents to seek shelter in secure buildings and avoid open areas.
Later on Saturday, Dubai Media Office said an Asian driver was killed after debris from an aerial interception fell onto his vehicle in Al-Barsha area.
Falling shrapnel from another interception caused minor damage to the facade of a tower in Dubai Marina. There were no injuries reported.
Dubai airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, suspended operations Saturday before partially resuming services, after an air defense interception.
“We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC,” it said, referring to Dubai’s main airport as well as the city’s Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International.
“Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change,” it told passengers.
Long-haul carrier Emirates also announced ‘all flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until further notice’ but lifted it shortly afterwards.
Explosions were earlier heard in Dubai and Bahrain’s capital Manama on Saturday, one week into Iran’s retaliatory attacks on targets around the Gulf.
Two blasts were heard in Dubai and one in Manama, where a warning siren sounded, AFP journalists said.
The siren has been sounde. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 7, 2026
“Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” Bahrain’s interior ministry posted on X.
A minor incident caused by debris after a successful interception has been contained and with no reported injuries, the Dubai Media Office said on X.
Dubai authorities have confirmed that a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception has been successfully contained. No injuries have been reported. Authorities have also denied reports circulating on social media regarding any incidents at Dubai…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 7, 2026
It also denied reports circulating on social media regarding any incidents at the Dubai International Airport.
*With AFP, Reuters and AP
