Drone attacks have struck major infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, including areas near Dubai International Airport and the country’s largest oil storage hub in Fujairah, as regional tensions linked to the war involving Iran continue to escalate.

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Authorities temporarily suspended flights on Monday after a fire broke out near the airport following what officials described as a drone-related incident. Several flights were delayed or cancelled as emergency crews responded.

The attack marks the third reported drone incident near Dubai’s airport since the conflict began. The airport is widely regarded as the busiest in the world for international passengers.

Oil storage hub targeted

Another drone strike hit the strategic port and industrial zone in Fujairah, triggering a fire at one of the region’s largest oil storage facilities.

Officials said oil loading operations were briefly halted while damage assessments were carried out.

The attack followed an earlier strike on Saturday that hit an oil storage tanker at the same port. According to reports, the two incidents targeted key energy infrastructure used to store and transport crude oil.

Iran has launched more than 1,900 missiles and drones at the UAE since the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began, according to figures cited by officials.

Strategic role in global oil trade

Fujairah occupies a particularly important position in global energy logistics. Located on the Gulf of Oman rather than inside the Persian Gulf, the port allows oil shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

Analysts say this makes the facility critical for maintaining exports if the strait becomes blocked.

Energy companies transport crude from fields in Abu Dhabi through pipelines to Fujairah, where tankers can load cargo without navigating the contested strait.

Industry observers say the port also serves as a major refuelling and supply hub for ships travelling between the Middle East and Asian markets.

Concerns over infrastructure vulnerability

Analysts say the attacks highlight the vulnerability of Gulf energy infrastructure during periods of heightened regional tension.

Experts noted that the strikes appear aimed at disrupting the flow of oil supplies, particularly shipments destined for Asian buyers.

Despite the incidents, business activity in Dubai has continued, with local analysts describing the city’s economy as resilient even amid security concerns.

Commercial districts, shopping centres and restaurants have remained active, reflecting the emirate’s longstanding ability to maintain economic momentum during periods of uncertainty.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 16.March 2026

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You keep hearing about Iran attacking the Arabs with drones ect but are they the arabs fighting back or are they not

Just now, MikeandDow said:

but are they the arabs fighting back or are they not

The GCC Arabs are a sneaky lot. They allow US bases on their land, allow the US to launch attacks on Iran from their land and use their airspace. And then when Iran strikes back, they act all hurt and betrayed by their neighbor. Weasels, the lot of them.

9 minutes ago, Autocan said:

The GCC Arabs are a sneaky lot. They allow US bases on their land, allow the US to launch attacks on Iran from their land and use their airspace. And then when Iran strikes back, they act all hurt and betrayed by their neighbor. Weasels, the lot of them.

Not answerd the question are they firing there missiles back I know what arabs are like, been in the middle east

4 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Not answerd the question are they firing there missiles back I know what arabs are like, been in the middle east

If you've been in the ME you know that none of the GCC states have more than a token armed force. They've collectively outsourced their security to the US.

So the answer to the question "are they firing there missiles back" is they can't because they don't have any.

And to answer a question that hasn't been asked "What happens to the Arab states when the US bails and can't defend them?". They're fcuked.