UAE

Iranian drone strike sets stategically key UAE oil trading hub on fire

Iran stepped up its targeting of Gulf neighbors, attacking and setting on fire a fuel tank close to Dubai International Airport, forcing flights to be suspended, and the key Fujairah oil export hub on the UAE’s east coast, on the supposed “safe” side of the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Stringer/EPA

March 16 (UPI) — Emergency services in the United Arab Emirates were battling a major blaze at the country’s strategically key Fujairah oil export hub on Monday morning after the second drone strike on the facility in two days.

Emirate of Fujairah authorities said in a post on X that no one had been hurt in the attack on the Fujairah Industrial Petroleum Zone and that efforts were ongoing to bring the fire under control. They appealed to people to refrain from spreading misinformation.

“Civil defense teams in the Emirate immediately responded to the incident and are continuing their efforts to control it. The competent authorities call on the public not to circulate rumours and to obtain information only from official sources,” wrote the Fujairah Media Office.

The facility is strategically important because it is the only oil export terminal on the UAE’s eastern coast, located on the Gulf of Oman, the “good” end of the Strait of Hormuz.

Critically, it means oil tankers servicing the port do not need to run the gauntlet of the 21-mile-wide sea lane that Iran has effectively closed.

An approximately 250-mile-long cross-country oil pipeline from Habshan, a key onshore field 80 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi, feeds as much as 1.8 million barrels per day of crude into Fujairah.

However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened ports, docks, military facilities and other “legitimate” U.S. targets in the UAE while the state media uged workers and residents in and around Fujairah, Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports to evacuate due to the presence of U.S. military forces.

Monday’s incident, following on from a separate strike and fire on Saturday, highlighted how exposed Fujairah — one of the world’s key crude oil and fuel storage hubs — was to Iranian threats.

The UAE has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drones and missiles since the United States launched its airborne offensive against Iran on Feb. 28.

A drone attack earlier Monday that forced the temporary grounding of all flights at Dubai International Airport after a fire erupted in a fuel tank close by and an announcement by Israel that it was nowhere near done with hitting Iran indicated the war was likely headed into a third week.

Israel also announced plans for an expansion of its ground offensive in Lebanon against Hezbollah operatives and strongholds after the Iranian proxy group attacked Israel with rockets and missiles on March 2, two days into the war.

An Israeli bombing campaign and targeted actions by ground forces has already forced hundreds of thousands of civilians in the country to flee their homes and killed more than 850, more than 170 of them women and children, according to the Lebanon Health Ministry.

European Union foreign ministers were set to meet on Monday in Brussels to discuss the situation in the region as oil prices continued their upward trajectory with the benchmark Brent crude futures briefly hitting $106 per barrel during trade on Monday.

Shipping of oil, gas and all cargo through the Strait of Hormuz remains stalled despite calls by U.S. President Donald Trump at the weekend for countries that get their oil from Gulf producers to step up and help restart movement of ships in and out of the Persian Gulf.

Iranians attend a funeral for a person killed in recent U.S.-Israel airstrikes at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery on the southern outskirts of Tehran in Iran on March 9, 2026. Photo by Hossein Esmaeili/UPI | License Photo

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Australia to send missiles to UAE, surveillance plane to help Gulf defence | US-Israel war on Iran News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said air-to-air missiles and a reconnaissance plane will be sent to region amid conflict with Iran.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will deploy a long-range reconnaissance aircraft and send air-to-air missiles to help countries in the Gulf region defend against Iranian attacks.

“The Iranian conflict in the Middle East began just over a week ago, and Iran’s reprisal attacks continue to escalate, already at a scale and depth we haven’t seen before. Twelve countries across the region, from Cyprus through to the Gulf, are continuing to be targeted,” Albanese said in a news conference on Tuesday.

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He said the Royal Australian Air Force will send an E7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and supporting personnel to “protect and secure airspace above the Gulf” for the next four weeks, and help the region with its “collective self-defence”.

Australia will also send advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates, he said, following a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Albanese cited the 115,000 Australians living in the Middle East – among them, 24,000 in the UAE – as a major factor behind the deployment of military assets.

“Helping Australians means also helping the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations defend themselves against what are unprovoked attacks,” he told reporters, stressing that the deployments were for defensive purposes only.

“My government has been clear: We are not taking offensive action against Iran, and we are clear we are not deploying Australian troops on the ground in Iran,” he said.

Some 2,600 Australians have left the Middle East since last week, Albanese said, but “significant challenges” remain in helping those who want to leave but remain in the region.

The prime minister’s announcement was immediately slammed by the opposition Greens party, which said Australia risks becoming embroiled in another US-led “forever war”.

Australia joined the US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001 and 2003, and lost more than 50 personnel during the conflicts, according to the Australian War Memorial.

Greens Senator Larissa Waters said she feared more Australian lives were at risk with the announced deployments, which the government, led by the Labor Party, said would be accompanied by 85 Australian personnel.

“Australians do not want to get dragged into Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war on Iran. Labor shouldn’t be sending troops to help a military that’s killed 150 schoolchildren in a primary school bombing. That will only escalate an illegal conflict that’s already spiralling out of control, and leave Australia trapped in yet another forever war,” Waters said in a statement on Tuesday.

 

“Every day Trump and Netanyahu’s demands of Australia keep growing. It was refuelling US spy planes yesterday, a recon jet and missiles today, and could be ever more troops tomorrow. Labor has no red lines when it comes to appeasing Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu,” she said, referring to the US president and Israeli prime minister, respectively.

Albanese said separately on Tuesday that Canberra has formally granted asylum to five members of Iran’s women’s football team, who were visiting Australia for the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Queensland.

Albanese said the women had been issued with humanitarian visas and moved to a safe location with the assistance of Australian Federal Police.

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here,” Albanese told reporters.

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Vicky Pattison and husband Ercan flee Dubai amid Iran war and drive 11 hours to Oman in desperate effort to return to UK

VICKY Pattison and her husband Ercan Ramadan are making their way back to the UK after becoming stranded in Dubai amid the Iran war.

Last Saturday (February 28), Iran launched a barrage of rockets at nations across the Middle East after vowing revenge for Trump and Israel’s huge blitz on the rogue nation.

Vicky and Ercan shared an update after fleeing Dubai in favour of nearby OmanCredit: Instagram
The pair shared they chartered a bus to take them and their friends across the borerCredit: Instagram
The star thanked the company for their help amid the crisis, and assured fans she was OKCredit: Instagram
The pair travelled for 11 hours, including spending three hours at the border on the busCredit: Instagram

Among their targets was Dubai, where black smoke was seen billowing across the skyline after debris from Iran’s missile blitz hit a hotel on the Palm Jumeirah.

Vicky was en-route with Ercan for a planned trip to Australia and New Zealand, and had a planned stop in Dubai when the attacks started.

She’s since only given small updates, noting how she didn’t want to speculate to scare her followers and was “limiting time spent on social media due to a growing amount of misinformation that feels really counterproductive to staying calm.”

However, she returned to Instagram today to share “a little update” on where she and Ercan were, after Dubai airport was also subject to a drone attack amid the evening of strikes, with both Iranian and Iraqi airspace closed as the conflicts intensify.

STRANDED STAR

Vicky Pattison updates fans on being stranded in Dubai amid missile strikes


stuck in dubai

Vicky Pattison and Love Island star stranded in Dubai as flights cancelled

Sharing a photograph of herself and Ercan with a group of other people on a mini-bus this afternoon, she apologised for the “radio silence” over the past week, noting things were “changing so rapidly” and she didn’t want to say anything that could be deemed insensitive.

“We really appreciate all your messages of concern and just wanted to reassure everyone that we’re fine,” she wrote.

“After three cancelled flights and the realisation that we definitely weren’t going to make it on to Australia and New Zealand we wanted to try and get home as quickly and safely as possible.

“I understand that there are a lot of people still in Dubai feeling really calm and safe however, we wanted to be back to our babies, work and normality and we felt like Oman was our best option.”

The star went on to explain that she had arranged a public transfer van with friends, with the team driving for 11 hours to get to Oman – including two to three hours to cross the border.

“For anyone stuck in Dubai and wanting to get home via Oman, I will put more information on @vickysvacays,” she said. “I just don’t want to overwhelm or bore anyone on here.

“We are going to try and enjoy our last days away and explore Oman hopefully 🥹”

“The last week has been quite unsettled and we understand people feeling unsafe and uncertain,” she added. “We have experienced moments like that, but ultimately feel like it’s important we acknowledge our position of privilege.

“We are extremely grateful to be making our way home and are thinking of anyone feeling fearful or unsettled, anywhere in a world that is rapidly becoming an increasingly scary place to be.”

“Finally just a little Thankyou to @addressbeachresort and [the UAE government] for keeping us safe, calm and informed when possible 🩵”

Friends and fans were quick to send their well-wishes to the star, saying they were glad she and Ercan were somewhere safe.

“Glad you’re both okay! Not what you had planned, but such is life. Not long until you’re reunited with the boys” wrote one.

Candice Brown added: “So glad you are on your way back darling x”

“So happy you’re both safe, sending you all the love” wrote another.

Vicky and Ercan have limited their social media use to prevent spreading misinformationCredit: Alamy
The star said she was “extremely privileged” to charter a bus to drive her and her friends across the borderCredit: Instagram
Vicky and Ercan were in Dubai while on route to go to AustraliaCredit: Instagram/vickypattison
The couple have said that they are safeCredit: Instagram

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UAE president says prepared to confront ‘threats’ as Iran attacks continue | Infrastructure News

The president of the United Arab Emirates spoke for the first time on the widening war in the Middle East as Iran continues to strike Gulf countries hosting US military assets with drones and missiles.

“The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are no easy prey,” said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in comments aired by Abu Dhabi TV on Saturday as he visited wounded patients in a hospital.

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He added the UAE is in “a period of war” but would “emerge stronger”.

In a social media post, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE, which has seen attacks affecting hubs such as airports, tourist attractions, and the US consulate in Dubai, is prepared to confront “threats” against the “security and the protection of all citizens”.

One driver was killed when debris from an intercepted projectile slammed into his vehicle, Dubai’s Media Office said, describing the victim as Asian but providing no further details.

Sheikh Mohamed’s comments were aired as the region entered a second week of war sparked by a major US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered an apology to neighbouring nations for launching strikes on their countries housing US military bases. His comments were swiftly contradicted by Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, also a member of the interim leadership council.

“Evidence from Iran’s armed forces shows that the geography of some countries in the region is openly and covertly at the disposal of the enemy,” he said. “The heavy attacks on these targets will continue.”

Pezeshkian himself rolled back on his remarks that Gulf countries would not be targeted unless attacks originated from their territories, caveating that while his country emphasised “the preservation and continuation of friendly relations,” Iran still has an “inherent right” to defend itself against US-Israeli aggression.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also clarified the leader’s comments on X, saying, “President Pezeshkian expressed openness to de-escalation within our region – provided that our neighbours’ airspace, territory, and waters are not used to attack the Iranian people.”

Iran retaliates after attack on water supplies

All the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman – have been targeted because of the presence of US assets within and around their borders.

In the Gulf, the deadly attacks have caused major disruption to flights, closure of airspace, and heavy knock-on impacts on oil-and-gas production reverberating across the world.

On Saturday, Iranian state media reported the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted US forces at Bahrain’s Jufair airbase in retaliation for an attack on a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island.

Araghchi called the US attack on the plant a “dangerous move with grave consequences”, accusing the US of committing a “blatant and desperate crime”, which affected the water supply to 30 villages.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, later said the attack was carried out with support from one of the airbases in a southern neighbouring country, stressing nations will not enjoy peace as long as the US has bases in the region.

Harlan Ullman, a senior adviser with the Atlantic Council, told Al Jazeera that attacks on water supplies could bring “greater chaos” to the Gulf.

“About 95 percent of all water in the Gulf comes from desalination,” he said. “If Iran wants to target desalination and water installation plants, they can bring the Gulf to a halt.”

Other attacks on Gulf

The UAE, a US ally and home to US military installations, has been the most heavily targeted nation in the Gulf during the war.

The Emirati Ministry of Defence said on Saturday it was targeted with 16 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones.

Hours after Pezeshkian’s apology, the IRGC said their drones struck a US air combat centre at al-Dhafra airbase near Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE.

Later, an unidentified object was intercepted near Dubai airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, forcing it to briefly suspend operations.

Iranian attacks also hit Abu Dhabi airport, the upmarket Palm Jumeirah development, and the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel over the past week, while drone debris caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai.

Also on Saturday, Qatar’s armed forces intercepted a missile attack, according to the Ministry of Defence. No immediate details were released about possible damage or casualties.

In Saudi Arabia, the defence ministry said a ballistic missile landed in an uninhabited area after being launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base, southeast of Riyadh, which hosts US troops.

Kuwait also reported intercepting a drone while the country’s national oil company announced a “precautionary” cut to its production of crude because of Iranian attacks and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for Gulf hydrocarbons.

Iran to select new supreme leader

Posting on social media on Saturday, US President Donald Trump warned his country would hit Iran “very hard” and threatened to expand strikes to include new targets.

Speaking at an event hosting Latin American leaders in Miami, Florida, Trump said on Saturday his country’s forces sank 42 Iranian navy ships in three days.

Israel launched what its military described as a new wave of strikes on Tehran and Isfahan. The military said on Saturday that more than 80 fighter jets completed a wave of strikes on Iranian army sites, missile launchers and other targets.

In a statement, the army said targets hit in Iran included missile storage sites, ballistic missile launchers and military facilities linked to Iran’s security forces.

Among the attacks, it said it struck 16 aircraft at Tehran’s Mehrabad airport, which belonged to the Quds Force branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard overseeing its foreign operations.

The Israeli military reported missiles were fired from ‌Iran at Israel on eight different occasions on Saturday, setting off air raid sirens in parts of the country and actioning air defences.

Iranian state media reported Saturday that the IRGC hit a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in Hormuz.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts will be meeting in the next 24 hours to choose a new supreme leader, according to assembly member Ayatollah Mozafari.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has rejected Trump’s demands to have a say in selecting Iran’s new supreme leader.

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S. Korea to receive over 6 mln barrels of crude oil from UAE: Cheong Wa Dae

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik speaks during a briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul on Friday. The presidential office said South Korea will receive more than 6 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE. Photo by Yonhap

South Korea will receive more than 6 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Cheong Wa Dae said Friday, amid concerns over energy prices due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, announced the plan to purchase crude oil from the Gulf state in a briefing as the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes in the region have sparked fears of an energy crisis.

“At the instructions of President Lee Jae Myung, we have made consultations over measures to introduce crude oil and as a result, an emergency introduction of more than 6 million barrels has been confirmed,” he said, noting the move is expected to help stabilize oil prices.

Kang stressed the need for the emergency measure, noting that 70 percent of crude oil supplied to South Korea passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been shut down due to the conflict.

Two South Korean oil tankers will be sent to a UAE port that does not require passage through the strait to receive 4 million barrels of crude oil, he said, adding the UAE pledged to provide 2 million barrels from a joint reserve stored in South Korea.

The total amount is equivalent to more than two times the supply used by South Korea a day, he said.

Meanwhile, Kang said a passenger flight carrying South Korean nationals has left Dubai and is scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, following talks with the UAE on measures for their safe return.

Commercial flights from Abu Dhabi are expected to resume Saturday, while a chartered Korean Air flight will also be dispatched, he said, noting that he held talks with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Affairs Authority.

“Currently, 18,000 South Koreans are in 14 Middle East nations, and some 4,900 of them are short-term travelers,” he said. “Among the short-term travelers, 3,500 of them are currently staying in the UAE and Qatar, and waiting to return home.”

“We will continue consultations with the UAE to bring all of our citizens back home as soon as possible.”

Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency prohibits its content from being redistributed or reprinted without consent, and forbids the content from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.

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Thousands more flights and holidays cancelled amid ongoing Middle East crisis as ALL travel to UAE banned

THE ongoing crisis in the Middle East has left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded abroad – with the situation not looking likely to improve.

The conflict between the US and Iran has had a knock-on affect across other destinations in the region, including the UAE.

Dubai Airport has grounded all flights due to the airspace closureCredit: AFP
Passengers have been left stranded abroad, including thousands of BritsCredit: Reuters

This has led to all airspace in the region being closed, with both Dubai Airport and a luxury hotel hit over the weekend.

And yesterday the UK Foreign Office advised against all non-essential travel across the UAE.

With Dubai Airport being one of the busiest in the world – as many as 2,500 flights a day – this means thousands of people are being affected.

As many as 94,000 Brits are thought to be still stranded abroad, with the Foreign Office working a rescue mission.

stuck in dubai

Vicky Pattison and Love Island star stranded in Dubai as flights cancelled


TRAVEL ALERT

UK flights to & from Middle East suspended until Monday after Iran airstrikes

According to Cirium, around 5,340 flights across the Middle East have been cancelled this week.

There are 539 flights scheduled from the UK to the Middle East this week which works out to 180,000 seats.

UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland called the disruption “unprecedented” – with it being a similar chaos level of the Covid pandemic.

He told the Press Association: “We’ve had other conflicts in the region, but not, I think, really in the scale of military conflict or scale of activity that we have now with the Gulf carriers.”

So here is everything you need to know about the airlines and tour operators cancelling flights to and from the UK, as well as until when.

British Airways

British Airways has cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East, which includes from London Heathrow to Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Amman.

They aid in a statement: “We have cancelled flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv up to and including the 03 March and today’s Larnaca service.

We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.

“Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”

They added: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv up to and including 15 March you can change your flight date free of charge to travel on or before 29 March.

“Customers travelling up to and including 8 March may also request a full refund.”

Virgin Atlantic

A number of Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled, with others rerouted.

The airline states: “Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel some of our upcoming services between London Heathrow and Dubai, as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh.”

Four have already been cancelled, with one to Dubai and one to Riyadh today also cancelled from London Heathrow.

They also said: “We are actively reviewing our flying programme each day and doing everything we reasonably can to minimise disruption.

“Our teams are identifying alternative solutions, securing available capacity and rebooking customers wherever possible, while ensuring safety remains our absolute priority.”

Virgin Atlantic has cancelled more flights to the Middle East todayCredit: Getty

Emirates

Emirates has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai until at least tomorrow, although this is likely to be extended.

In a statement, they said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, 3 March.

“We urge all customers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport.”

Passengers affected are being given two options – one being to rebook on another flight to the intended destination by March 20.

Or, passengers can get a full refund – although if you are already on holiday, this means they no longer have a duty of care for you when it comes to booking your flight home.

Qatar Airways

The airline, based out of Qatar, has cancelled all flights to and from Doha.

The airline said: “Qatar Airways flights to, and from, Doha have been temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.”

This is likely to affect passengers using Doha as a base for connections, with it operating flights across Asia.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways flights are affected to and from Abu Dhabi.

The airline said: “Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad Airways’ operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Monday 2 March.”

Passengers can either rebook for free up until March 18, if travelling up until March 7.

Anyone travelling up until tomorrow can request a refund.

Etihad Airways have suspended flights to and from Abu DhabiCredit: Alamy

TUI

Brits with TUI holidays booked will also be affected, especially if flying to or via the UAE.

This is likely to affect holidays to Dubai, as well as to Thailand, Vietnam and Jordan.

The TUI website currently states: “Due to Airspace restrictions in parts of the region, some flights to and from the UK have been impacted and may experience delays and cancellations.”

The Sun has contacted TUI for additional comment.

The Sun’s Head of Travel explains your rights

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel, said:

For passengers meant to be flying in or out of the region, your rights depend on whether you were flying directly in or out of the UK or EU or if you are flying with an UK or EU airline.

Those who are will not get compensation as it is not the fault of the airline but they do have a duty of care to look after impacted passengers – depending on the length of the delay that could include food and drink, a means of communicating and if necessary, overnight accommodation.

Those flying on non-UK or EU carriers may find their rights are slightly different if they are not on a direct flight to the UK as different rules apply and you may not be provided with the same assistance.

They are, however, expected to offer you the right to a refund or another flight in the case of cancellations.

As well as those directly impacted by cancelled flights, the closure of so much of the Middle Eastern airspace will mean even more congestion on alternative routes that could impact flights across the globe.

For those due to travel in the coming days, staying in contact with your airline and checking before travelling to the airport is essential as schedules may change at short notice.

Loveholidays

Loveholidays is also cancelling holidays to any of the affected areas, which includes the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

They said in a statement: “We’re aware of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East and understand that you may be concerned about how this could affect your holiday.

“The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its advice and is now advising against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates (UAE) – including Dubai and Abu Dhabi – Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar.

“As a result, holidays and connecting flights due to travel to these destinations will be impacted while this advice remains in place.

“We have made the difficult decision to cancel all holidays to or via impacted areas of the Middle East departing up to and including 7 March 2026.

“Our team is starting to process full refunds for these holidays and will contact you directly.”

Anyone already in these destinations is advised to contact their airline.

Brits should contact their airlines if they have flights to any of the affected destinationsCredit: Reuters

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Blasts shake Qatar, UAE, Kuwait as Iran’s retaliatory strikes continue | News

Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on US assets in the Gulf region continue for a third day as fears of a prolonged conflict rise.

Loud explosions were heard in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and the Qatari capital ‌of Doha for a third consecutive day of ⁠Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf states in response to ongoing attacks by the United States and ⁠Israel on Iran.

Loud bangs and sirens were also heard in Kuwait early on Monday morning, with a witness quoted by Reuters news agency saying smoke was seen rising from near the US embassy.

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Kuwaiti air defences intercepted the majority of the ⁠drones near Rumaithiya and ⁠Salwa neighbourhoods, the state-run Kuwait News Agency reported, quoting the director general of civil defence.

Tehran said it ⁠would target US military assets in the region after the ⁠US-Israeli ⁠strikes on Iran continued for the third day on Monday.

Iran has hit a range of civilian and commercial areas across ‌Gulf cities, widening the conflict’s impact on key regional aviation and trade hubs.

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said it activated air raid alerts and urged residents to head to the nearest safe place.

It said the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Bridge linking the capital, Manama, to nearby towns was closed and urged “residents to use main roads only when necessary”.

At least one person has been killed in Kuwait, three have been killed in the UAE, and 16 people have been injured in Qatar.

Meanwhile, at least 201 people have been killed in Iran in US-Israeli attacks, with 747 wounded, while at least nine have been killed and 121 wounded in Israel.

Iran ‘attacking American targets’

The US, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Iranian attacks across the region and affirming their right to self-defence.

Gulf countries “will take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and to protect their territories, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression”, the statement released after a meeting said.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday stressed that Tehran is not seeking confrontation with its Gulf neighbours, telling Al Jazeera that Tehran has “no problem with the countries on the other side of the Persian Gulf”, referring to the Gulf, which is also known as the Arabian Gulf.

Iran maintains “friendly and good neighbourly relations with all of them”, which it is determined to continue, he added.

“What we are doing is in fact an act of self-defence and retaliation to the American aggression against us,” Araghchi said.

“We are not attacking our brothers in the Persian Gulf, we are not attacking our neighbours, but we are attacking American targets,” he added.

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After health rumours, UAE President MBZ seen meeting with US lawmaker | News

US Senator Graham claims the UAE royal is ‘as sharp as I’ve ever seen him’ in Abu Dhabi encounter.

Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has made his first appearance since rumours about his health spread online.

The Presidential Court on Wednesday shared video footage of the Emirati president, also known as MBZ, smiling alongside Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham during a meeting in Abu Dhabi.

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WAM, the UAE’s official news agency, also shared photographs of the encounter at Qasr Al Shati, in which MBZ appeared alongside Graham.

In a social media post, the US senator rebuffed in no uncertain terms any claims that the UAE president may be unwell.

“To those who are perpetuating false narratives against the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh [Mohamed bin Zayed] personally, you are full of it,” Graham said on X.

“Not only is he alive, but he is also well and as sharp as I’ve ever seen him.”

Graham, a top Republican in Congress, hailed MBZ for embracing the so-called Abraham Accords, a series of US-brokered deals to normalise relations between Israel and Arab states.

The UAE was among the countries to sign on to the initiative, which was unveiled in 2020 during US President Donald Trump’s first term in office.

Palestinian leaders condemned the Abraham Accords as a betrayal of their cause and the Palestinian push for self-determination.

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