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The United Arab Emirates is reeling from devastating missile strikes that have claimed one life and left several others injured, as Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the region on Saturday night.
Fatality Confirmed at Abu Dhabi Airport
Officials at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi have confirmed the death of an Asian national, with seven others sustaining injuries in what authorities described as an “incident” that occurred over the weekend.
In an official statement, Abu Dhabi Airports urged calm: “Abu Dhabi Airports has confirmed that an incident took place at Zayed International Airport and resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries. The public is urged to avoid circulating rumours and to rely only on official sources. Updates will be provided.”
Dubai International Airport Also Hit
Separately, Dubai International Airport—the world’s busiest international travel hub—was rocked by explosions that sent smoke billowing through terminals and triggered immediate evacuations.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed that one of the airport’s concourses sustained “minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained.” Four staff members were injured and have received medical treatment.
According to officials: “Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers.”
Videos circulating on social media showed frightening scenes of smoke and debris inside Terminal 3, with passengers and airport workers scrambling for safety. On a typical day, approximately 250,000 passengers pass through Dubai International Airport.
Regional Airports Under Attack
The strikes weren’t limited to the UAE. Bahrain’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Bahrain International Airport was also targeted by a drone attack, resulting in material damage but fortunately no casualties.
Thousands Stranded as Airspace Closes
The missile attacks have left thousands of tourists and travelers stranded across the region. Iranian and Iraqi airspace closures forced numerous aircraft to divert mid-flight, creating chaos for international travel.
British Airways passenger Mike Boreham, who was aboard flight BA108 from Dubai to Heathrow, described the tense moments: “We were all boarded. The flight is completely full. About 10 minutes after the ‘boarding complete’ announcement we were told airspace is closed.”
Travelers in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions, while hotels distributed refreshments to guests who were instructed to remain indoors due to the risk of falling missile debris.
Escalating Tensions Across the Middle East
These airport strikes follow an earlier attack on the luxury Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, where four people were injured by debris from Iran’s missile barrage.
The attacks come after Iran issued a stern warning that it “has no red lines” following large-scale US and Israeli military operations. Tehran launched missiles and drones at multiple countries across the Gulf, targeting US military installations and critical infrastructure.
Explosions have also been reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, after diplomatic talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme collapsed earlier this week.
Advice for Nigerians in the UAE
For Nigerians living in or traveling to the UAE, authorities are strongly advising everyone to:
– Stay indoors and follow official guidance
– Avoid spreading unverified information on social media
– Monitor updates from official government sources only
– Contact the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi for assistance if needed
UAE authorities have released images showing fragments of intercepted rockets scattered across city streets, evidence of the intense missile defense operations underway.
What Happens Next?
With missile exchanges intensifying and key transport hubs under threat, regional leaders are calling for calm while working to contain the volatile situation.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued a travel advisory, but Nigerians planning trips to the UAE should monitor the situation closely and consider postponing non-essential travel until the security situation stabilizes.
As this crisis continues to unfold, we will provide updates as they become available from official sources.
Stay safe, and remember to verify all information from trusted sources before sharing.
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