Mobile phones across Abu Dhabi buzzed on Saturday afternoon as emergency warnings were sent to residents and expatriates following explosions in the city. The alerts warned people about “potential missile threats” and urged them to take immediate precautions.
The message, widely shared on social media, read, “Due to current situation, a potential missile threats, Seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and to steer away from windows, doors and open area. Await for further instructions (MOI) [sic],”
Breaking : Emergency Alert in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/4ZwyFJ64sL
— lilly Gates (@lillygates_x) February 28, 2026
The alert instructed people to move quickly to safe indoor locations and avoid exposed areas.
Civilian Killed as Missile Debris Falls in Residential Area
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that one civilian was killed after Iranian missile strikes targeted Abu Dhabi. According to the official statement, “the fall of some missile debris in a residential area” led to the death of “one civilian death of an Asian nationality.”
The strikes were part of Iran’s retaliation after joint US-Israeli military attacks on Iranian territory.
Explosions Reported Across Gulf Region
The US-Israel strikes triggered a wider regional escalation. Iran launched missiles across several Gulf countries, reportedly targeting US military bases.
Apart from Abu Dhabi, explosions were heard in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait, and Bahrain. At the time of reporting, around 5 pm, blasts were still being reported in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
Iran Urges Gulf Nations to Stop US and Israel
Amid the ongoing conflict, Iran’s foreign minister urged neighboring countries not to allow their territories to be used by the US and Israel for military operations against Iran. According to Reuters, he asked regional counterparts to prevent Washington and Tel Aviv from “abusing their territory” for aggressive actions.
Gulf Airspace Closures Disrupt Flights
Following Iran’s missile attacks on US bases across the Gulf, several Persian Gulf countries closed their airspace. The closures caused major disruption to international flights.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, partially or fully suspended operations to and from several Middle East cities, including Dubai, citing “multiple regional airspace closures.”
The rapidly escalating conflict has not only led to military confrontation but also widespread disruption across the region, affecting civilians, air travel, and regional stability.
