Dubai Abu Dhabi news LIVE: UAE says responding to missile threat; Saudi intercepts drone in Al-Jawf region

The UAE and Saudi Arabia reported multiple interceptions of missiles and drones, with civilian injuries and infrastructure damage; regional tensions with Iran escalated and energy markets reacted. Governments coordinated evacuations and diplomatic responses as oil prices rose and airspace operations were disrupted.

The United Arab Emirates said it was responding to a fresh missile threat on Monday as air defences intercepted strikes across the Gulf, and two Abu Dhabi residents were injured by falling drone debris after intercepts. Saudi Arabia meanwhile intercepted a drone over its Al-Jawf region and issued a sharp rebuke of Iran, calling Tehran’s attacks on the kingdom and its neighbours “reprehensible”.

"Reprehensible," a Saudi foreign ministry statement said, condemning what it described as Iranian attacks targeting the kingdom and its Gulf neighbours. The statement added that Tehran would be the “biggest loser” if it continued launching attacks on Arab states.

Details and context

The UAE reported multiple intercepts and civilian impacts as the conflict widened. State media and live updates compiled by Hindustan Times listed several incidents: the UAE said it had intercepted 12 ballistic missiles and 17 drones, while separate reports said two residents in Abu Dhabi were injured by debris after air defence systems engaged incoming drones.

  • The UAE also confirmed two soldiers died in an unrelated helicopter crash after a reported "technical glitch", drawing condolences from Jordan and regional partners.
  • Saudi Arabia reported it intercepted a drone attack targeting the Shaybah oil field and an interception over Al-Jawf. The kingdom issued a fresh warning to Iran, accusing Tehran of unacceptable aggression.
  • Bahrain’s largest oil refinery, Bapco, was hit in the strikes, and Bahrain reported 32 people injured in Iranian attacks. Separate tallies cited by the newswire put overall UAE casualties from Iran-linked strikes at four killed and 112 injured so far.
  • The United States said it had ordered non‑emergency embassy staff and family members to leave Saudi Arabia "due to safety risks", and advised Americans to "reconsider travel" to the kingdom.
  • Government leaders moved to coordinate: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump to discuss the Iranian attacks, according to state news agencies.
  • Infrastructure and diplomatic facilities were among reported targets: the US embassy in Kuwait was struck and the US consulate in Dubai was targeted, along with other infrastructure in the region.

Economic fallout was immediate. Benchmark crude prices crossed $100 a barrel for the first time since early 2022 as markets reacted to risks to Gulf oil infrastructure. Saudi Aramco was reported to be offering spot crude amid disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, while regional airspace and some airport operations — including at Bahrain — were suspended for security reasons.

Outlook

Analysts and officials warned the situation could escalate further. Regional governments have urged residents to remain in safe locations while military and diplomatic channels remain active: the US has repositioned personnel and advised caution, and Gulf states continue to bolster air defences. International efforts to manage the fallout include reports that G7 ministers may discuss a joint release of emergency oil reserves, underscoring the economic as well as security stakes.