Iran launches missile and drone strikes at UAE, ministry says

Where Diplomacy Meets News

Iran launches missile and drone strikes at UAE, ministry says

May 5, 2026

DUBAI,— Missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, including Fujairah, led to air defense responses, flight disruptions and fires at key energy facilities on Monday, authorities said.

The UAE foreign ministry said air defense systems were activated against incoming threats during the evening, describing the incidents as a serious escalation and a direct risk to national security.

The ministry added that the country reserves its full and legitimate right to respond.

Authorities in Fujairah reported that a fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after what they described as a drone attack originating from Iran.

Civil defense teams were deployed immediately to contain the blaze, the Fujairah Media Office said. Three Indian citizens were moderately injured and taken to hospital.

The UAE defense ministry said earlier it intercepted three Iranian missiles over its territorial waters, while a fourth missile fell into the sea.

Air traffic across the region was disrupted. Several flights heading to the UAE were diverted to Muscat in Oman, while others circled over Saudi Arabia, based on data from Flightradar24.

A pilot on an inbound flight to Dubai informed passengers that airports in the UAE were temporarily closed and the aircraft would divert.

By Monday evening, authorities said air defense systems continued to engage additional missile and drone threats. Mobile phone alerts were sent to residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi warning of possible missile strikes.

The incidents also affected maritime activity. The UAE accused Iran of targeting an empty oil tanker operated by ADNOC in the Strait of Hormuz.

ADNOC’s logistics unit said the vessel, named Barakah, was struck by two drones while carrying no cargo. No injuries were reported.

Iranian state media cited a senior military official as saying Tehran had no plan to target the UAE.

The attacks come after a period of relative calm in the region following a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that took effect on April 8, ending weeks of intense fighting in the Gulf.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy released a map showing what it described as expanded areas under Iranian control near the Strait of Hormuz.

The map included UAE ports such as Fujairah and Khorfakkan and coastal areas of Umm Al Quwain, Iranian news agencies reported.

Fujairah plays a key role in UAE oil exports. It is located at the end of the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, which allows shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier this year, on March 14, a separate drone attack struck the Port of Fujairah, causing fires and halting some oil loading operations.

During earlier fighting this spring, UAE authorities said they intercepted and destroyed thousands of drones and missiles.

(With files from Reuters)