DUBAI: A drone attack has triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates, as Iran intensifies strikes across the Gulf amid its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
The Fujairah government said on Tuesday that no casualties were reported from the incident at the energy facility, located about 150 km east of Dubai. The attack is the latest in a series of strikes targeting infrastructure in the region.
The fire follows a similar incident on Saturday, when debris from an intercepted drone caused a blaze at the same oil hub, underlining the growing risks to key energy facilities.
Authorities in Abu Dhabi also reported a separate incident in the Bani Yas area, where falling debris from a ballistic missile interception killed a Pakistani national.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming missiles and drones, producing loud explosions and forcing a temporary closure of national airspace.
Iran has defended its attacks by citing the presence of U.S. military bases in Gulf countries, arguing they constitute legitimate targets following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran that began on February 28.
However, the strikes have also affected civilian infrastructure, including ports, airports and residential areas, heightening concerns over regional stability.
Explosions across Gulf cities as Iran retaliates to US-Israeli Assault
The UAE, which normalised ties with Israel in 2020, has been among the hardest hit, with Iranian forces launching more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the country since the conflict began.
Across the Gulf, more than 2,000 aerial attacks have been reported. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait all said they intercepted drones and missiles on Tuesday.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry said civil defence teams were handling a limited fire in an industrial area caused by debris from an intercepted missile. Authorities confirmed no injuries.
Explosions were heard in Doha, prompting a public safety alert. Officials urged residents to remain calm as emergency services responded.
Air travel has also been disrupted. The UAE temporarily closed its airspace, and Dubai International Airport experienced delays and cancellations, affecting global transit routes.
The fatality in Abu Dhabi follows a separate incident reported a day earlier in which a Palestinian man was killed after a rocket struck a residential area.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted multiple drones in its eastern region, while Kuwait’s National Guard reported downing two drones without specifying targets.
In a joint statement, Gulf Cooperation Council countries condemned the attacks and pledged to defend their territories.