Day 17 of war: Fire breaks out at Fujairah oil industry site after drone attack

Three wounded

Three fighters were wounded as an air strike hit Iraq's popular mobilisation forces positions northwest of Mosul, Reuters reported citing security sources.

Flydubai gradually resuming operations

Flydubai said it was gradually resuming its operations with a reduced schedule on Monday, March 16, according to a spokesperson speaking to Khaleej Times' Special Correspondent Nasreen Abdulla.

The airline said some scheduled flights have been affected by the temporary suspension of operations and the carrier was contacting customers who have been impacted to notify them if their flight has been cancelled or rescheduled.

Travellers have been advised to not travel to the airport unless they have received confirmation that their flight is operating, has been rebooked or received a revised check-in time.

Buildings reduced to rubble in Beirut

As the Israeli military said it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, firefighters rushed to work at sites of overnight Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war on March 2 when Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, with Israel launching air raids on the neighbouring country and troop incursions into border areas.

Iran to play World Cup

The Iranian men's football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, an Asian football official said, despite Trump warning their "life and safety" could be at risk.

"As far as we know, Iran is playing," Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation's general secretary, told a press conference.

Blasts heard in Tehran

Explosions hit the Iranian capital on Monday, an AFP journalist reported, hours after Israel said it conducted large-scale overnight strikes. 

The blasts were heard in central Tehran as air defence systems were activated, the journalist said. It was not immediately clear what was targeted.

Bahrain intercepts 215 drones, 129 missiles until now

Since the start of the Iranian attacks, Bahrain announced its air defence systems had intercepted 215 drones and 129 missiles up till March 16.

Citibank shuts some UAE branches until further notice

Citibank announced it is shutting some UAE branches "until further notice" after a previous notice had indicated the bank would reopen its branches on Monday, March 16.

The financial institution said it will be closing its branches and financial centres, with the exception of the Mall of the Emirates branch.

The MOE branch will operate as follows:

Friday: 10am to 12.30pm

Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 10am to 4pm

The bank will be closed on Eid.

The bank clarified the current operations of the following services:

Citiphone Service: The bank said Citiphone is currently operating at a limited capacity.

Alternative Services: The bank urged customers to use Citibank Online and Citi Mobile.

Check Processing: Any checks dropped after 10am on March 11 will experience delays in processing.

Residents who fled wars say UAE life remains normal

While recent regional tensions have unsettled many, reactions vary widely among UAE residents. Some feel real fear, often imagining the dangers of conflict as worse than they really are, while others, who have lived through war before, find the situation far less alarming.

For many residents in the UAE, the idea of “war” is shaped more by memory than by immediate reality. Although distant interceptions or alert messages can stir unease, day-to-day life in the Emirates continues largely uninterrupted.

Khaleej Times spoke to a few expats who said that the notion of “war” is often measured against personal experience, making today’s tensions feel very different, depending on one’s past.

Read here how UAE residents who fled wars in Gaza and Sudan feel safe in the Emirates.

EU to discuss extending naval mission to Hormuz Strait

EU foreign ministers will Monday discuss extending the bloc's Red Sea naval mission to help reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said.

"It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that's why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard," Kallas told journalists in Brussels ahead of the talks. 

An option on the table would be to change the mandate of the EU's naval mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides, Kallas said.

She suggested this would be the "fastest" way for the 27-member bloc to boost security in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian retaliatory attacks to a US-Israeli bombing campaign have largely halted maritime traffic. 

Iran Foreign Minister thanks Pakistan for support

Taking to social media, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their support during the regional war.

"On this blessed, divine, and spiritual day and hour, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their full-throated expression of solidarity and support with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of the aggression by America and the Zionist regime."

'Iran would take 10 years to rebuild if we left now': Trump

President Donald Trump said Iran's military has been so heavily damaged by US strikes that it would take the country a decade to rebuild, but added that he sees 'no reason to' officially declare victory as Iran has been 'decimated'.

While addressing the press on Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, when asked whether he was prepared to declare the conflict over, Trump said, "No reason to. I think I'd just say they're decimated, but I haven't — I think that we've done damage to them right now. If we left right now, it would take them 10 years and more to rebuild. But I'm still not declaring it over."

Trump claimed US military operations had "essentially defeated Iran".

"Militarily, we've essentially — as far as I'm concerned — we've essentially defeated Iran. I guess they can have a little bit of a fight back, but not much. Not much. We've taken out their air forces, as you know. We've taken out their air defence. They have no air defence whatsoever," he said.

Gulf Air operates flights via Dammam

Gulf Air announced it would be temporarily operating a number of commercial flights via Dammam until March 17 as the closure of the Bahrain airspace continues.

Iran threatens facilities supporting USS Gerald R. Ford

Iran said logistical and service facilities supporting the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea are targets for its armed forces, Iran International reported on Monday.

A spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central command said the deployment of the carrier in the Red Sea is viewed as a threat against Iran. He added that logistical and service centers providing support to the carrier group in the Red Sea “are targets for Iran’s armed forces".

Some closures still in place

Dubai Police in an update announced that traffic has resumed after earlier closures, while Airport Road remains closed for vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

Nepal hikes petroleum prices amid tensions

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the state monopoly, has increased the prices of petroleum products by up to NRs15 per litre as tensions in the Middle East continue for a third week.

The NOC, in its three-page press release, cited rising international market rates driven by escalating tensions as the reason for the spike in prices. The price of petrol from Sunday morning has become dearer by NRs15 per litre, while diesel and kerosene have been raised by NRs10 per litre.

NOC officials said the adjustment was necessary following a rise in global oil prices amid growing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, a region that supplies a significant portion of the world's crude oil.

Israel says it destroyed plane used by Ali Khamenei

Israel's military said it had destroyed the plane used by the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at Tehran's Mehrabad airport.

Oman Air temporarily suspends some flights

With overall Oman Air flights operating as usual, the airline announced due to the ongoing regional situation, some flights would be cancelled until March 31.

The affected routes are:

• Amman (AMM)

• Dubai (DXB)

• Bahrain (BAH)

• Doha (DOH)

• Dammam (DMM)

• Kuwait (KWI)

• Copenhagen (CPH)

• Baghdad (BGW)

• Khasab (KHS)

Fujairah confirms drone attack on oil industries area

Fujairah confirmed the outbreak of a fire in the Fujairah Oil Industries area due to a drone attack.

In a statement, the emirate's media office revealed civil defence teams immediately responded to the incident and are currently trying to bring the fire under control.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

The authorities urged the public not to circulate rumors and to rely solely on information from official sources.

Iran warns countries against cooperating with London-based TV channel

Iran's military has warned countries in the region against cooperating with the London-based TV channel Iran International, saying media infrastructure used to support the channel would be placed on its list of targets. 

"The Zionist International Network, using the satellite capacity and media infrastructure of some countries in the region, is acting to create tension, create false narratives... to help the goals of criminal America and the Zionist regime," the operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement late Sunday. 

"We warn that if you continue to help this evil and satanic network, the elements of cooperation with it will be placed in the bank of targets of the Islamic Republic of Iran," it added, according to the state television website. 

It was not immediately clear where the infrastructure used by the channel in the region was located. 

Iran has labelled Iran International a terror organisation since 2022 and in recent months said it was "affiliated with the Zionist regime", warning that cooperation with the channel would be punishable.

On Sunday, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of at least 18 people accused of sending images and information to the channel. 

UAE, GCC airfares to jump 30%

Travellers in the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are facing 30 per cent higher airfares due to increased fuel surcharges following a rise in oil prices after the outbreak of the regional military conflict.

High oil prices resulted in a big global increase in jet fuel prices, further denting the bottom line of regional and global airlines. Jet fuel accounts for approximately one-third of an airline's total operating costs in normal conditions.

Many regional and Asian airlines have introduced or increased fuel surcharges in the past week, pushing up airfares ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holidays, which will be marked later this week in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Airports and airlines across the UAE and GCC have resumed limited operations to major destinations.

Israel, US do not want to invade Iran, says Israeli envoy to India

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday said that neither United States nor Israel intends to invade Iran, stressing that the focus remains on encouraging change within Iran through pressure from its own people rather than through military occupation.

Speaking in Delhi at a press conference amid heightened tensions, the Israeli envoy said the objective of both countries is to ensure greater stability and security across the region, while enabling Iranians to push for changes in their country's policies or leadership if they choose to do so.

"Neither the United States nor Israel has the intention of invading Iran. We want to give the Iranian people a situation in which they can actually put pressure for a change in policy or for a change of the regime. We are going to see whether this happens or not but are resolute in putting a focus on that. It not only serves the Iranian people but it also serves our aim of creating a more stable future in the region," Azar said.

"I think it also serves the general interest in the region, of the Gulf countries and also of the international community, to see a West Asia or Middle East which is much more stable and freer from the terrible threats that the Iranians were planning to build or they were actually building," he added.

Iran chief urges swift verdicts for those linked to US, Israel

Iran's head of the judiciary said on Monday there should be no leniency or delay in issuing verdicts against those affiliated with Israel and the United States. 

"We must not delay or show leniency in executing final verdicts against those who, during wartime and unrest, committed crimes and were affiliated with the aggressor enemy," said Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, according to Tasnim news agency. 

He added that it was "necessary to accelerate the review and resolution of cases involving elements accused of threatening public security."

Traffic resumes on closed roads

Dubai Police has announced the resumption of traffic as per usual after temporary closures on some roads near the airport.

Traffic has resumed on Airport Street coming from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street and Al Khawaneej, as well as from the Marrakesh intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street.

The precautionary measure was taken after a drone incident on a fuel tank in the vicinity of the Dubai International Airport.

Missile falls on vehicle in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi announced on Monday a missile had fallen on a civilian vehicle in the emirate's Al Bahia area, leading to the death of one Palestinian national.

The authority urged the public to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.

3 types of violations 

Authorities in the UAE have arrested dozens of individuals accused of spreading misleading content online amid Iran's attack on the country, in what officials say is part of a wider effort to curb misinformation that could harm public security.

In the latest arrests, authorities said the suspects were involved in three main types of violations:

• Sharing real footage of missile passages, interceptions or their aftermath, as well as videos of people gathering to watch the events, often with commentary or sound effects that could incite panic or expose defence capabilities.

• Posting AI-generated or manipulated clips of explosions or missile strikes, or reusing footage from incidents abroad while falsely claiming they occurred in the UAE.

• Sharing content praising a hostile state and its leadership, portraying its military actions as achievements and amplifying propaganda narratives online.

20 stranded Thai sailors return home

Twenty Thai crew members of a cargo ship that was attacked in the crucial Strait of Hormuz arrived in Thailand on Monday, with three of their colleagues still stranded on the vessel in the Gulf.

The Thai-registered Mayuree Naree was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while transiting through the Gulf waterway.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had struck the Thai ship, as well as a Liberia-flagged vessel, in the strait because they had ignored "warnings".

The 20 sailors landed at Thailand's main international airport early Monday morning and were immediately escorted away by officials without speaking to gathered media.

3 drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted three drones in Riyadh and eastern regions on Monday, the Kingdom's Ministry of Defence announced.

Dubai airport resumes some flights 

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to certain destinations following the temporary suspension that was implemented as a precautionary measure.

Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

Israeli military begins attacks in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military said it had begun "limited and targeted" ground operations in Southern Lebanon.

Qatar Airways to operate limited flights

Qatar Airways announced it would be operating a limited number of flights from March 18 to 28 as it continued its temporary suspension of flights.

Passengers have been advised to not arrive at their departure airport unless they hold a valid, confirmed ticket for travel.

France's Macros says 'unacceptable' for Iran to target French interests

French President Emmanuel Macron said he had told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian it was "unacceptable" to target French interests, after an Iranian-designed drone killed a French soldier in Iraq's Kurdistan region last week.

"I called on him to put an immediate end to the unacceptable attacks that Iran is carrying out against countries in the region, whether directly or through proxies, as in Lebanon and Iraq," Macron said on X after his call with Pezeshkian.

Strategic oil reserves to be released

Strategic oil reserves will be released "immediately" in Asia and Oceania, and as early as the end of March in America and Europe, the International Energy Agency said, as governments try to contain the surge in prices caused by the war.

Emirates expected to resume limited flights

Emirates announced it expects to operate limited flights after 10am today, after an earlier drone incident near the Dubai International Airport brought operations to a halt.

The airline said some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled and affected customers would receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.

Iran hikes wages

Iran's labour minister announced a more than 60-per cent hike in the minimum wage, local media reported, months after anti-government protests that began over discontent with dire economic conditions.

Japan not mulling maritime ops despite Trump pressure

Japan said it was not currently thinking about ordering maritime security operations, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.

"In the current Iran situation, we are not at the moment considering issuing a maritime security operation," Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament.

Trump called for reinforcements on Saturday from countries including Japan after earlier vowing that the US Navy would "very soon" begin escorting tankers through the vital shipping lane for oil in the Middle East.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that any maritime security operation would be "extremely difficult legally".

Sending its Self-Defense Forces abroad is politically sensitive in officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the US-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution.

Airlines steadily restore operations in Gulf

Although on Monday morning a drone incident at DXB halted flight operations, airlines across the Gulf have been steadily restoring operations after days of disruption caused by the ongoing war.

By Sunday, flight activity had begun to pick up noticeably. Emirates had started increasing the number of flights in the air, while Etihad Airways operated more than 100 flights in a single day for the first time since the conflict began, according to Flightradar 24.

UK to provide $6.62 million emergency funding to Lebanon

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday said the UK will provide over 5 million pounds ($6.62 million) of emergency funding to support humanitarian work of the Lebanese government amid conflict in the region.

"Today, I am mobilising over 5 million pounds in emergency funding including to the Lebanese Red Cross, the UN Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and the World Food Programme, in support of the humanitarian work of the Lebanese Government," she said.

Wide-scale attacks in Iran

The Israeli military said early on Monday it was conducting a fresh wave of "wide-scale" strikes on Tehran.

"The IDF has begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran," the Israeli military posted on Telegram. 

Omanis return from Iran

Oman's Foreign Ministry said it was facilitating the return of citizens stuck in Iran via land and air routes.

The arrangements were made in coordination with the Sultanate's missions in Tehran and Ankara, as part of the approved plan.

The authority affirmed its ongoing round-the-clock monitoring of the citizens' situations, in coordination with its missions abroad, to ensure their security and safety.

Bahrain arrests motorists for causing panic

Amid the ongoing attacks, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior arrested a number of motorists and seized their vehicles for 60 days for causing disturbances, spreading panic among citizens and residents, and disrupting public order.

The authority revealed legal measures were taken against these individuals.

Ongoing missile threat

The UAE's NCEMA announced the country's air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat.

Residents have been urged to remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.

Air India cancels Dubai flights on March 16

In light of the temporary flight suspension at Dubai International Airport, Air India and Air India Express announced they would be cancelling all its flights to and from Dubai on March 16.

The airlines are offering the following options to all affected passengers at no additional cost:

• Rebook to a future travel date

• Cancel and receive a full refund

Meanwhile, Air India Express' ad-hoc flight operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are continuing.

For further assistance, travellers have been advised to contact the 24x7 customer support: +91 11693 29333 or +91 11693 29999.

5 wounded in Baghdad airport attack

A rocket attack on Baghdad International Airport, which houses a US diplomatic facility, wounded five people on Sunday, Iraqi authorities said.

The evening attack was followed by a fresh rocket and drone barrage targeting the airport around midnight, a security source told AFP. 

The Iraqi government's security media cell earlier confirmed that at 7pm (1600 GMT) "five rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport and its surrounding area, injuring four airport employees and security personnel, and an engineer".

It added that rockets struck the airport and a water desalination plant and others crashed near a prison where Islamic State group (IS) suspects are detained as well as at an Iraqi airbase next to the US diplomatic facility.

Security forces had earlier seized the launchpad used for the first attack in the al-Radwaniya area southwest of Baghdad, the government media cell said.

Baghdad's airport includes a sprawling military complex that is divided into several bases belonging to the Iraqi army and security services, as well as a US diplomatic and logistics facility, and a central prison.

Oil hovers around $100 a barrel

Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the US president said at the weekend that forces struck military targets on Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the Gulf that handles almost all of Iran's oil exports.

Both main crude contracts advanced. Brent shot up around three per cent to as high as $106.50 before paring the gains, while West Texas Intermediate sat around $99.

Diverted Dubai flights return to origin

Data from Flightradar24 showed some of the diverted Emirates flights returning to their origins after operations to and from Dubai were temporarily suspended following a drone incident near the Dubai International Airport.

Australia won't send ship to Hormuz Strait

Australia's transport minister said Monday the country won't be sending a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the strategic waterway.

"We won't be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is but that's not something we've been asked or we're contributing to," Transport Minister Catherine King told national broadcaster ABC. 

Japan releases strategic oil reserves

Japan said it is beginning the release of strategic oil reserves.

Overnight attacks in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted 49 drones throughout the night as attacks across the region escalated.

1.33am: Interception of a drone in eastern region.

3.22am: Interception of seven drones in eastern region.

3.25am: Interception of six drones in the eastern region.

3.41am: Interception of five drones in the eastern region.

3.58am: Interception of seven drones in the eastern region.

4.17am: Interception of nine drones in the eastern region.

4.52am: Interception of three drones in the eastern region.

5.41am: Interception of five drones in the eastern region.

6.09am: Interception of six drones in the eastern region.

Safety instruction for workers

Qatar's Ministry of Interior has sent repeated reminders to employees to follow safety guidelines int he workplace.

This includes familiarising oneself with emergency exits and evacuation routes, which protects everyone from risks.

Trump eyes seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil

US President Donald Trump is working to assemble a coalition of countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and is hoping to announce it later this week, Axios reported on Sunday citing four sources.

Th report also stated the president was eyeing the seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil.

Trump pressures NATO, China over Hormuz Strait

President Donald Trump sought to pressure NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit that Iran has effectively closed in retaliation for the US and Israeli war against Tehran.

The US president had called on countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain Saturday to send ships to escort tankers through the strait, but various countries he listed have given only guarded responses.

"It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there," Trump told the Financial Times on Sunday. Unlike the United States, Europe and China are heavily dependent on the Gulf for oil imports.

He warned that no response or a negative reply to his request would be "very bad for the future of NATO". Trump also threatened to delay a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month if Beijing does not assist on reopening the strait.

Saudi Arabia intercepts drones

Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry said it had intercepted 12 drones in the eastern region of the country.

Iran calls Israeli strikes on fuel depots 'ecocide'

Iran's foreign minister said on Monday that Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constituted "ecocide" due to the long-term risks to residents' health.

"Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide," Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X.

"Residents face long-term damage to their health and wellbeing. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts," the post added.

Trump says 'Iran not ready for deal'

US President Donald Trump said that the United States was in discussions with Iran as the war enters its third week but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end it.

"Yes, we're talking to them," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, without detailing the nature of such talks, when asked if there was any diplomacy under way to end a conflict that has spread across the Middle East and roiled global markets.

Iran's foreign minister had denied earlier that any talks with the United States were taking place.

Trump said he was not sure he wanted to make a deal to end the war "because first of all nobody even knows who you're dealing with, because most of their leadership has been killed."

Trump insisted however that "they want to make a deal badly".

UAE President, Saudi CP discuss 'immediate cessation' of escalation

The UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a telephone call from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, during which they discussed regional developments amid escalating military actions and their threats to regional and global security and stability.

The call also addressed the 'continued and blatant' Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region, noting 'their violation of the sovereign rights' of these countries and international norms.

Both sides stressed the need for the immediate cessation of military escalation, warning that it threatens stability and security in the region and beyond.

'Thousands more targets in Iran,' says Israeli army spokesperson

Israeli army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin delivered a briefing to the Israeli media, saying Israel will continue to act in both Iran and Lebanon until its operation's goal are achieved, adding that more targets are generated every day.

Watch the video here:

Daily updates

Since this war broke out, Khaleej Times has been following up the events and keeping its readers well-informed.

Take a look at developments in this escalating conflict:

• Day 1

• Day 2

• Day 3

• Day 4

• Day 5

• Day 6

• Day 7

• Day 8

• Day 9

• Day 10

• Day 11

• Day 12

• Day 13

• Day 14

• Day 15

• Day 16

Day 17 of Israel-US-Iran war

As the war enters its 17th day, the direction seems to be moving towards diplomatic conversations with Trump saying he was 'talking' to Iran and leaders in the Middle East having their own discussions as the war escalates and impacts stability and security in the region.

Meanwhile in the UAE, an early morning drone incident on Dubai International Airport disrupted air travel in the emirate.

On March 15, UAE air defences dealt with 4 missiles and 6 drones from Iran. The Emirates also brought back nearly 500 Golden Visa holders and stranded residents from abroad.

Deadly Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran continue, with the death toll rising.

Stay tuned to Khaleej Times as we bring you the latest developments in the region as they unfold.

Emirates temporarily suspends flights

Emirates announced early on Monday the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Dubai, following a drone-related incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport.

The airline urged travellers not to go the airport, saying that updates will be shared when available. "The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised."

Some roads temporarily closed

In light of the latest incident, Dubai Police announced the closure on some roads close to the airport to ensure the safety of motorists. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes to reach their destination.

• Airport Road

• Airport Tunnel

• Al Garhoud Bridge leading to Casablanca Street

• Intersections at Cargo Village and Marrakech Street towards the airport

Some flights diverted

Some flights have been diverted from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai Airports announced.

Flights temporarily suspended

After the drone incident near DXB, Dubai's Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.

Travellers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available, the authority stated.

Drone incident at Dubai International Airport

At 3.56am, Dubai Media Office announced authorities were responding to a fire resulting from a drone-related incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport.

Soon after, the authority revealed a drone incident in the vicinity of the airport had affected one of the fuel tanks, with Dubai Civil Defence teams on site to bring the fire under control.

No injuries have been reported.

Within an hour, the authority announced the fire had been contained.