More than 12000 flights cancelled amid Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel and Gulf countries; Dubai worst hit

Iran continues to launch drone and missile attacks on Middle Eastern countries where the US has a military presence.

Iran, Israel, Gulf countries, Dubai, Middle East, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, UAE, Doha, Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Cirium — The relevant Dubai teams continue to closely monitor the situation.

New Delhi: The situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate. While US-Israeli attacks on Iran continued on Tuesday, 03 March 2026, Iran also launched attacks on several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel. Explosions were heard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar on Tuesday. Despite warnings, Iran launched several attacks on Israel and the UAE on Tuesday.

Loud explosions heard in Dubai and Doha

According to Reuters news agency, loud explosions were heard in Dubai and Doha. Iran continues to launch drone and missile attacks on Middle Eastern countries where the US has a military presence. Journalists heard loud explosions in Qatar’s capital, Doha and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while two people told AFP that they also heard explosions in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi.

Authorities in Dubai confirmed that sounds heard in various areas across the city were the result of air defense interception operations. The relevant Dubai teams continue to closely monitor the situation and are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety.

The Dubai Media Office has issued a statement on explosions on its official X handle, Dubai Media Office @DXBMediaOffice الحساب الرسمي للمكتب الإعلامي لحكومة دبي

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“Authorities in Dubai confirm that sounds heard in various areas across the city were the result of air defence interception operations. The relevant Dubai teams continue to closely monitor the situation and are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. The public is advised to rely exclusively on official sources for accurate updates.”

Authorities in Dubai confirm that sounds heard in various areas across the city were the result of air defence interception operations. The relevant Dubai teams continue to closely monitor the situation and are taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. The public is…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 3, 2026

Several countries close airspace

On Saturday, US and Israeli attacks on Iran began, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of Iranian officials and leaders. Iran then launched retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries and Israel, forcing several countries to close their airspace. The UAE is facing the worst impact, where tourism and normal life have been severely affected.

According to aviation data analysis firm Cirium, at least 12,903 flights were cancelled between Saturday and Monday, which is 40 percent of the planned flights.