Rajkamal Dubai, Abu Dhabi War LIVE: Explosions Heard in Downtown Dubai Amid Iran’s Gulf Attacks
March 12, 2026: Loud explosions were reported in downtown Dubai as Iran continued targeting locations across the Gulf region amid the ongoing Iran–US–Israel conflict. News agency AFP reported that smoke clouds were seen rising above a residential neighbourhood near the city center.
The attacks are part of Iran’s broader attempt to disrupt global energy supply routes and put pressure on the United States and Israel following the war that began on February 28 when joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran.
Dubai Airport Targeted by Drones
The Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, was targeted by drones a day earlier.
- Two drones fell near the airport.
- Four people were injured in the incident.
- Air travel operations continued normally, according to the Dubai Media Office.
Iran Expands Attacks Across Gulf
Iran has reportedly intensified attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the Gulf.
- A container ship was struck near the UAE coast.
- A drone attack targeted Oman’s Salalah Port.
- Oil facilities and vessels in Iraqi waters were also hit.
The escalation has raised concerns about a potential global oil supply disruption.
UN Security Council Reacts
The UN Security Council approved a resolution demanding an immediate halt to Iran’s attacks.
Bahrain’s UN ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei said the international community strongly rejects Iranian strikes against sovereign countries.
“These attacks threaten the stability of global trade, energy security and regional peace,” he said.
Iran Warns US Economic Targets
Iran has also warned that it may target US and Israeli economic institutions in the region, including banks.
The threat prompted several multinational companies, including Citi Bank, to evacuate staff from offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
US Releases Strategic Oil Reserves
Amid fears of an oil crisis and possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the United States announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves to stabilize global markets.
LIVE Updates
03:16 PM IST: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that any invasion of Iranian islands would make the Persian Gulf “run with the blood of invaders.”
03:14 PM IST: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held three discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi regarding maritime security and energy supply.
02:39 PM IST: Debris from a drone interception caused minor damage to a building façade on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
02:32 PM IST: Authorities reported a drone incident in Al Bada, about 4 km from the Burj Khalifa.
02:15 PM IST: Airline Cathay Pacific announced higher fuel surcharges due to rising global oil prices.
02:02 PM IST: Kuwait International Airport was targeted by drones, causing material damage.
01:40 PM IST: Explosions were heard in Downtown Dubai, with smoke seen rising over residential areas.
12:52 PM IST: Fires broke out near Bahrain International Airport while Oman evacuated vessels from an oil terminal.
11:33 AM IST: A US-owned oil tanker was attacked near Basra, Iraq, killing one Indian crew member.
Global Impact of the Conflict
- Energy markets are facing severe volatility.
- International flights are under security alert.
- Oil trade routes in the Gulf remain under threat.
The Middle East conflict is rapidly escalating, raising fears that the crisis could spread further across the Gulf and disrupt global energy supply chains.
