Explosions heard in Saudi capital Riyadh, UAE's Dubai and Abu Dhabi as Iran launches missiles

Explosions were reported across the Gulf on Saturday after strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, with loud booms heard in parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Saudi capital Riyadh and at least one person killed in the United Arab Emirates, Reuters and AFP reported. The UAE said its air defences had intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and warned it “reserves its full right to respond,” calling the attacks “a dangerous escalation.” Authorities also closed UAE airspace and the US embassy ordered staff in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai to take shelter-in-place.

“There were sounds of explosions, but they seemed to be from far away, probably missiles intercepted in the air,” said Shailja, an Indian resident of Doha, to Hindustan Times. “We hope to travel to India as soon as the airspace opens. So far, there's been no damage in our area. But we are keeping a watch and staying close together.”

What happened

According to multiple reports, the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday. Initial strikes reportedly occurred near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and residents in Tehran heard powerful blasts. In the immediate aftermath, explosions were audible across Gulf cities: witnesses in Abu Dhabi described five booms in rapid succession, a loud bang was heard in Dubai, and two correspondents in Riyadh reported several explosions.

Reuters reported that one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after shrapnel from an Iranian missile struck an individual. The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement, quoted by AFP, saying: “The Ministry of Defence announced that the United Arab Emirates was subjected today to a blatant attack by Iranian ballistic missiles. The UAE's air defences responded with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of the missiles.” The statement added that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond.”

Qatar also reported distant sounds of interception. “There were sounds of explosions, but they seemed to be from far away, probably missiles intercepted in the air,” the Doha resident told Hindustan Times, noting precautionary measures as families stayed indoors. Kuwait was also reported to have engaged incoming strikes.

Details and immediate responses

• Airspace: The UAE closed its airspace as the strikes unfolded; several airlines have been rerouting or cancelling flights in the region.
• Civilians: Authorities and diplomatic posts issued shelter and safety instructions— the US embassy in the UAE published helpline contacts and directed staff to find secure locations.
• Casualties: Reuters reported one death in Abu Dhabi due to missile shrapnel; further casualty reports remain unconfirmed in other cities.
• Sources: Reporting drew on on-the-ground witnesses, Reuters, AFP and Hindustan Times coverage by Akansha Purohit.

Outlook: The strikes mark a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and forces aligned with the United States and Israel. With the UAE signaling both successful interceptions and a right to retaliate, the risk of further military exchanges or broader regional disruptions—including extended airspace closures and civilian displacements—remains high. International attention will focus on official damage assessments, further casualty reports, and diplomatic moves in the coming hours and days.