Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE, News LIVE Updates: UAE Air Defences Intercept Missiles, Drones; Flights Delayed At Dubai Airport

More than 40,000 flights across West Asia countries have been cancelled so far due to the ongoing regional military conflict, according to The Khaleej Times. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that out of over 72,000 scheduled flights between February 28 and March 9, more than 40,000 were cancelled.

Airlines in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations affected by Iranian missile and drone attacks have now partially resumed operations after several days of suspensions.

Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, condemned Iran’s attacks on the country, stating that Kuwait had been “subjected to a brutal attack by a neighbouring Muslim country, which we consider a friend,” despite not allowing the use of its land, airspace, or coasts for any military action.

He added that Kuwait had repeatedly communicated this position through diplomatic channels. In his first public remarks since the attacks began on February 28, the emir emphasized that Kuwait has a “full and inherent right to self-defence.”

Australia will deploy a surveillance aircraft to the Middle East and provide the UAE with advanced air-to-air missiles to defend against Iranian attacks and ensure safe airspace for evacuating Australians.

The UAE has intercepted over 1,500 rockets and drones since Iran began targeting Gulf states, officials said, warning that the escalating attacks endanger civilians.

Defense Minister Richard Marles noted the aircraft’s role is similar to its recent support for Ukraine, underscoring Australia’s commitment to regional security.

After several days of disruptions due to the West Asia conflict, Dubai-based airline Emirates resumed services to Kolkata airport on Saturday evening. The first aircraft from the Gulf nation is scheduled to land late at night.

An Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson reported that Emirates flight EK 572, departing from Dubai (DXB) to Kolkata (CCU), took off from Dubai at 7:43 pm IST. Originally set to arrive at 6:50 pm, the flight now has a revised estimated time of arrival (ETA) of 11:50 pm.

Upon landing at NSC Bose Airport, the aircraft will operate the return service, EK 573, which is now scheduled to depart at 1:30 am instead of the initial 8:25 pm.

Saudi Arabia on Monday strongly condemned attacks by Iran, calling the strikes targeting the kingdom and its Gulf neighbours “reprehensible”. In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia said the kingdom categorically rejects Iranian aggression against Saudi Arabia, member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and several Arab, Islamic and friendly nations. The statement said such attacks cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances. Riyadh also reaffirmed its firm stance against actions that threaten regional security and stability, stressing the need to protect the safety of countries across the Gulf amid rising tensions in West Asia.

The United Arab Emirates will emerge “stronger” from the ongoing Middle East war, President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a rare televised address on Abu Dhabi TV. Speaking as Iran continued retaliatory strikes across the Gulf, the president said the UAE was currently “in a period of war” but remained resilient. He assured citizens and residents that the country would overcome the crisis and continue fulfilling its duty to protect the nation and everyone living in it. Sheikh Mohamed also praised the armed forces, security institutions and civil defence teams for their role during the conflict and stressed national unity during the challenging period.

Pakistan is working to repatriate the bodies of two nationals killed in Dubai after missile interception debris struck their vehicle. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply saddened by the deaths and expressed condolences to the families. He said Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates are in close contact with Dubai authorities to provide assistance and facilitate the repatriation process. Sharif said the government is extending all possible support to the bereaved families during this difficult time as investigations and coordination with local authorities continue following the tragic incident.

Flight operations at Bengalore’s Kempegowda Airport were disrupted on March 9 due to airspace restrictions following the West Asia conflict. Nine arrivals and 10 departures were cancelled, said airport spokesperson. Affected routes included flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai and Doha.

Gold prices in Dubai moved higher on Monday as global bullion markets strengthened amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict. Safe-haven demand increased as investors tracked developments in West Asia, movements in the US dollar and fluctuations in crude oil prices. Retail demand across the United Arab Emirates remained steady despite elevated rates.

On March 9, 24K gold in Dubai was priced at AED 635.75 per gram, while 22K stood at AED 588.50, 21K at AED 564.50 and 18K at AED 483.90. Market participants are closely watching geopolitical developments and macroeconomic indicators that could influence short-term gold price trends.

Global oil prices surged past $100 a barrel for the first time in nearly four years as tensions in the Middle East disrupted energy markets. The international benchmark Brent Crude crossed $100 and later climbed above $114 a barrel when trading resumed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, marking a sharp rise from Friday’s closing price of $92.69. Prices are now about 50 percent higher than before the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.

The surge came as major producers cut output and the strategic Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, raising fears of supply disruptions. Several Asian stock markets fell sharply on Monday as oil prices jumped more than 20 percent and the conflict entered its second week.

Donald Trump sought to reassure consumers, saying the rise in oil prices was temporary and a small price to pay for global safety and peace.

Saudi Ministry of Defence said Monday it thwarted a drone attack targeting an oil facility in eastern Saudi Arabia near the Emirati border. Four drones heading towards the Shaybah Oil Field were intercepted and destroyed by defence forces, the ministry said in a statement.

One person was killed in Dubai on Saturday after debris from an aerial interception fell on a vehicle, authorities said, as Iran continued retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. Officials confirmed that fragments from the interception landed on a car in the Al Barsha area. The incident resulted in the death of an Asian driver. Authorities did not release further details about the victim or the circumstances of the interception. The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions as Iran continued strikes following recent military actions across the Gulf region, prompting defensive responses and emergency monitoring in several Gulf states.