Residents across several key districts in Dubai were awakened by loud sounds early Sunday morning as the Middle East war entered its 16th day. The noises
were particularly heard in the Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh areas. The Dubai Media Office later confirmed that the sounds were the result of successful interceptions carried out by the UAE’s sophisticated air defence systems. Similar incidents were reported over the past two days. On Saturday, blasts or interception-related sounds were heard in central parts of the city, while residents in Dubai’s bustling downtown area reported similar sounds on Friday. A suspected Iranian drone strike hit Dubai’s financial district on Friday, triggering loud explosions and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky, according to witnesses. The strike reportedly targeted the Dubai International Financial Centre, one of the emirate’s key business hubs. An AFP correspondent in the city said a huge double blast was heard, strong enough to rattle buildings in the surrounding area. Moments later, a large cloud of black smoke was seen rising over the central district.
Meanwhile, operations at the UAE's Fujairah oil terminal resumed following a brief halt after Iranian strikes. Clouds of dark black smoke rose from Fujairah on Saturday, as authorities battled the fire for hours at a stretch, adding that a Jordanian national had been injured. Following the attack, some oil loading operations at the port were suspended.
Located on the Gulf of Oman, the Port of Fujairah sits outside the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical energy hub for the United Arab Emirates and global oil markets. Its position allows oil exports to bypass the narrow strait, which is one of the world’s most sensitive maritime choke points for energy supplies.
Also Read: Iran Drone Strike Triggers Blaze at UAE’s Port of Fujairah, Key Oil Hub Hit | WATCH
Dubai battles Iranian strikes
Dubai, a major global financial and aviation hub, is facing several direct strikes as the war with Iran rages on. According to Emirati officials, more than 1,700 missiles and drones have been launched toward the UAE since the conflict began, with air defences intercepting the vast majority. Even so, several strikes or falling debris have hit homes, offices and roads in the densely populated city, killing four civilians and leaving dozens injured.
Tensions remain high in West Asia, following the death of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28.
(With agency inputs)
