Dubai authorities said a minor incident caused by falling debris after an interception has been contained and the situation is under control, with no injuries reported. The Dubai Media Office posted on X that reports of any incidents at Dubai International Airport are false.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions. Saudi air defenses reportedly intercepted a fresh wave of aerial attacks early Saturday targeting the Shaybah oil field, Arab News quoted the Saudi Ministry of Defence as saying.
Ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said on X that 16 drones, launched in four waves, were intercepted and destroyed over the Empty Quarter after they were tracked toward the energy facility. He also confirmed the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, and said another drone was downed east of Riyadh — marking the third consecutive day of attempted strikes on Al-Kharj, an industrial hub about 80 kilometres from the capital.
The Shaybah attempt was the first since Feb. 28 and follows a large US-Israeli air campaign against Iran. That escalation has been followed by retaliatory strikes from Tehran against Gulf targets, including industrial and oil infrastructure.
Shaybah, located deep in the Rub’ al-Khali (the Empty Quarter), is one of Saudi Arabia’s super-giant fields and plays a central role in the kingdom’s gas strategy, using an advanced recovery plant to supply natural gas liquids to the petrochemical sector.
Reports of a wider surge in aerial threats say the UAE intercepted more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles within 24 hours, according to Arab News. Earlier, Saudi defenses reportedly blocked five missiles bound for Prince Sultan Air Base and multiple drones over Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
These repeated attacks have drawn international condemnation, including statements from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. At an extraordinary GCC ministerial meeting in Riyadh on March 1, member states reaffirmed their right to defend their territories against what they called “treacherous Iranian aggression.” After a March 3 cabinet session led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia said it reserves the full right to respond and will take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents.
This report was sourced from a syndicated feed and published as received; the publisher assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
