Fresh strikes, tanker attacks in Hormuz and flight changes: Key updates for UAE residents.
The US-Iran war entered its 187th day on Wednesday, with fresh strikes reported in Kuwait, renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and continued disruptions to UAE flight schedules. The developments have kept Gulf residents on alert as the region’s aviation and shipping sectors face further disruption from the escalating conflict.
In Kuwait, firefighters were working on Wednesday to contain a blaze following a drone attack, the latest in a series of strikes that have periodically disrupted flights and damaged infrastructure across the Gulf since the conflict began in late February.
Kuwaiti air defences said they intercepted hostile missiles and drones overnight. Meanwhile, two oil tankers came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz within the past 48 hours, as Iran continued to exert pressure on the strategically vital shipping route.
Latest updates
Kuwait and Bahrain come under attack again: Firefighters in Kuwait were battling a blaze on Wednesday following a drone strike. The incident comes after months of intermittent Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory, including previous strikes that damaged Kuwait International Airport terminals and fuel infrastructure. No injuries were reported in the latest incident, with damage limited to property.
Bahrain intercepts Iranian attacks: The Bahrain Defence Force said its air-defence systems intercepted and destroyed several Iranian aerial threats on Wednesday. Authorities urged residents to avoid touching or approaching suspicious or unfamiliar objects, which could include debris from intercepted drones or missiles, and to report them immediately.
Two tankers attacked near the Strait of Hormuz: Two oil tankers were attacked over the past 48 hours as Iran stepped up maritime pressure around the strategic waterway, prompting a US response.
Oil prices rise: Brent crude extended its gains towards the low $90s a barrel as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continued, with prices reaching levels not seen since earlier escalations in the war.
Iranian president’s message: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would respond immediately if Washington returned to its commitments under an earlier memorandum reached in Islamabad.
UAE remains on alert: The UAE has previously said its air defences engaged a drone over its territorial waters following Iranian strikes late last week on air bases in Jordan. The incident highlights the UAE’s continued exposure to regional security risks, even as the latest attacks have largely focused on Kuwait and Bahrain.
UAE flight operations: Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia are operating most of their networks but continue to adjust and reduce some Gulf routes, particularly services to Kuwait and Bahrain, amid ongoing airspace warnings.
Isolated flight cancellations: Etihad has also reported cancellations on its Tel Aviv route following unplanned industrial action at Ben Gurion Airport.
Gold and precious metals fall: Gold declined 0.6% to $4,304.01 an ounce, its lowest level in more than three weeks, while US December gold futures fell 1% to $4,350.80. Silver dropped 1% to $63.60 an ounce, platinum slipped 1% to $1,722.23, and palladium fell 1.4% to $1,292.21.
What UAE residents should know
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport: Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia advise passengers to check their flight status online, complete check-in in advance and allow additional time at the airport. Flydubai recommends arriving at least four hours before departure from Dubai, while three hours is generally advised for other services.
- Expect short-notice changes: Even if a route is operating as scheduled, flights to and from Kuwait and Bahrain may be delayed, cancelled or rescheduled with little notice as the security situation evolves.
- Do not photograph or share images of incident sites: UAE and Kuwaiti authorities have repeatedly urged residents not to approach, photograph or circulate images of damaged sites, debris or interception locations on social media, citing security and public-safety concerns.
- Rely on official sources: Follow updates from the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Media Office and airlines’ official websites and apps. Avoid relying on unverified social media posts for real-time information.
