All articles tagged with #uae
The UAE faces its biggest economic shock in decades as the Israel-US war on Iran hits core sectors, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock indices plunging and about $120 billion of market value erased, thousands of flight cancellations, a weakening real estate market, and aviation/tourism disruptions signaling vulnerabilities in Dubai's and Abu Dhabi's economic model.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed it was attacked by Iran, with two people lightly injured and damage being assessed, after Iran's IRGC claimed targeting Alba and Emirates Global Aluminium in retaliation for attacks on Iranian steel plants; Reuters could not independently verify the claim. Alba had earlier reduced capacity due to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, UAE and Kuwait reported air defenses intercepting missiles and drones from Iran, underscoring rising regional tension.
UAE authorities say they dismantled a terrorist network funded and operated by Iran and Hezbollah, arresting its members; the group allegedly laundered money, financed terrorism and sought to infiltrate the UAE economy under a fictitious commercial cover, threatening financial stability. No immediate comment from Hezbollah or Iran as tensions in the region rise amid the Iran-Israel conflict.
Oil and gas prices jumped after Iran attacked production facilities for the first time in the conflict, with Brent crude near $103 a barrel and wholesale gas up about 3%. Attacks hit Shah gas field, Majnoon oilfield, and Fujairah, threatening UAE exports and raising disruption risks through the Gulf and Hormuz. Analysts warn refined products could bear more of a price shock than crude, while Asian countries move to conserve energy amid broader supply strain.
Iranian drone assaults hit the UAE’s energy infrastructure—fire at the Shah gas field and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone—with a tanker struck near the Strait of Hormuz, stoking fears of prolonged supply disruption and driving oil prices higher.
The United Arab Emirates has temporarily closed its airspace as an exceptional precaution against incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, with the defence ministry saying air defences are intercepting threats. The move follows recent aviation disruptions, as Emirates resumes a reduced flight schedule and Etihad operates a limited one, after safety assessments and in coordination with authorities.
Iranian drone and missile attacks targeted the UAE’s Fujairah oil port and Dubai International Airport, causing fires and flight disruptions as UAE air defences intercepted missiles and drones; the strikes underscore ongoing efforts to disrupt Gulf energy infrastructure amid rising regional tensions.
A fire near the Port of Fujairah was sparked by debris from an intercepted drone, temporarily suspending operations with no injuries reported, as U.S. strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island escalate tensions and send oil prices higher amid a large IEA reserves release.
Oil-loading operations at Fujairah, a key UAE bunkering hub, were suspended after a fire caused by debris from an intercepted drone; no injuries were reported. The incident follows a U.S. strike on Iran’s Kharg Island and rising tensions, with Iran’s IRGC warning that U.S. interests in the UAE are legitimate targets, while Brent crude traded above $100 as markets weigh escalation risks.
Activists warn a growing number of foreigners in the UAE are being charged under broad cybercrime laws for posts or videos about Iran’s attacks and missile activity, with 21 people facing charges as of Thursday. Cases cited include a British tourist who deleted a video, a social-media influencer, a Filipina domestic worker, and a Vietnamese sailor, illustrating the UAE’s strict limits on online content even when posts originate outside the country amid regional tensions.
The United Arab Emirates has charged 21 people under cybercrime laws for filming and sharing videos of Iranian missile and drone attacks, including a 60-year-old British tourist. UAE authorities say reposting or even commenting on such footage can lead to criminal charges, with penalties of at least two years in prison and fines around $54,000. Detained in Dubai notes authorities are arresting people seen filming attacks, and officials warn against circulating footage that could incite panic. Other related arrests were reported (an Indian student; two French nationals) with some individuals released without charges.
A 60-year-old British tourist in Dubai faces up to two years in prison for allegedly filming missiles hitting the city and broadcasting rumours that could disturb public security; he deleted the footage when asked, and the case mirrors a broader UAE crackdown on social-media posts about Iranian attacks, with about 20 others charged for similar content and officials warning such information can incite panic.
The Iran–U.S.–Israel war widens with fresh strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and near the UAE, drones injuring people near Dubai and air defenses intercepting missiles and drones, while Iran vows to target U.S.- and Israel-linked banks across the region. The updates also include international commentary on legality, internal Iranian leadership developments, asylum cases, and humanitarian concerns as the conflict continues.
The United Arab Emirates says Iran fired 16 ballistic missiles and over 117 drones in a new barrage, with 16 missiles intercepted and one falling into the sea, and most drones intercepted though several reached UAE territory; Bahrain accused Iran of striking a desalination plant as regional hostilities widen, with Iranian leaders threatening broader attacks against U.S. targets amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes. The broader conflict has killed thousands in Iran and Lebanon, about a dozen in Israel, and rattled global markets.
Gulf states report renewed Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting infrastructure in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with UAE air defenses intercepting threats; a Dubai high-rise was damaged by falling debris and a driver died. Bahrain cited damage to a water desalination plant and a university building, while Kuwait said two fuel depots at its international airport were hit. Iran also announced a swift appointment of a new supreme leader after Ayatollah Khamenei’s death as Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran continue.