By Admin 
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also become a direct target in the US-Israel war with Iran. Iran fired several waves of drones and ballistic missiles at the UAE, causing explosions in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, closing airports and trapping thousands of people.
UAE air defenses intercepted most of the attacks, but some falling debris caused damage and 3 deaths. Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international hub, remained closed, causing massive disruption to global travel.
Why did Iran attack UAE?
Iran says that there are American military bases in UAE and they are involved in US-Israeli attacks. UAE had earlier said that it would not allow its airspace to be used to attack Iran, but Iran still targeted civilian sites. In the last two-three days, Iran fired 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, most of which were intercepted by UAE Air Defense. But falling debris caused damage to the courtyards of two houses in Dubai and two people were injured.
Burj Khalifa evacuated, lights switched off
There were a total of 3 deaths in UAE, which include one Pakistani, one Nepali and one Bangladeshi. 58 people were injured, which included Indians, Egyptians, Filipinos, Ethiopians, Sri Lankans, Afghans and people from other countries. Explosions were heard in posh areas of Dubai, where debris from intercepted missiles caught fire. Black smoke rose over Jebel Ali Port. Airport and civilian areas in Abu Dhabi were also affected. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was evacuated for safety.
The world’s busiest Dubai airport remained closed
Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports remained completely closed. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) closed the airspace ‘precautionary’. Emirates suspended all flights from Dubai till 3 pm on March 3, then started limited flights. Etihad (Abu Dhabi) closed commercial flights till 2 pm on March 4, but operated some repatriation and cargo flights. Flydubai also started limited operations.
More than 6,000 flights were cancelled. Emirates (485), Etihad (190), flydubai (181) are the most affected. Indigo and Akasa Air suspended Middle East routes. Thousands of passengers are stranded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Stranded in many hotels and airports. Dubai Airports said that limited flights will start from the evening, but passengers have to go to the airport only after taking confirmation from the airlines.
PM Modi spoke to UAE President
UAE has strongly condemned Iran’s attacks. Closed its embassy in Tehran and recalled the ambassador. Iran’s ambassador was summoned and described as a ‘violation of national sovereignty’. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Federal National Council of UAE, said that there is a limit to the ‘passive defense’ of Gulf countries and attacks on civilians will not be tolerated. PM Modi spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, condemned the attack and expressed India’s solidarity.