Dubai, UAE, Iran War March 7 highlights: Loud explosions heard in Dubai; UAE President vows to defend country, says it is ‘no easy prey’

Addressing all those who call the UAE home, the nation's President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reassured citizens, residents, and visitors that the UAE is fully prepared to confront current threats, placing the security and protection of all people at the very top of its priorities.

He said, "With God’s grace, the UAE is fully prepared to confront these threats." The UAE leader also extended his deepest appreciation to the nation's "brave armed forces, our committed security services, and all national institutions and teams working tirelessly to keep our country safe", saying "we are proud of them".

Qatari airspace remains temporarily closed amid ongoing regional tensions, the Hamad International Airport said, urging passengers not to proceed to the airport until further notice.

Travellers have been asked to contact their airlines directly for updates on affected flights. The limited number of flights currently operating are doing so under a restricted corridor established exclusively for passenger repatriation, with authorisation granted by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and relevant regional authorities, it said.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday that its air defence systems were responding to missile and drone strikes from Iran amid rising regional tensions. The announcement followed reports of loud explosions in Dubai. Sirens were also heard in Bahrain, where AFP reported at least five blasts in the capital, Manama.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior has said that alerts from the Early Warning System are issued only when there is a need to take additional urgent preventive measures to safeguard public safety.

It also urged everyone to comply with what is stated in them.

Dubai Police has urged residents to share information responsibly. Urging everyone to rely on official sources, it said in a tweet on X, "In today’s rapidly changing world, information travels faster than ever. Not all of it is accurate. Some of it is shared to stir fear and anxiety within the community. What we share matters."

It said that relying on unverified sources can cause "unnecessary panic" and can "undermine the safety" and stability of the community.

Air Arabia has resumed select flights from today onwards.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Saturday warned Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that his country would pay a "very heavy price" if it fails to disarm Hezbollah.

Addressing the president, Katz said in a statement broadcast on Israeli television that if "the choice becomes protecting our civilians and the safety of our soldiers or Lebanon, we will choose to defend our civilians and our soldiers, and the government of Lebanon and Lebanon will pay a very heavy price."

Kuwait's National Guards on Saturday said that it downed a drone at “one of the areas of responsibility” where it is providing support to the country's defese ministry.

“National Guard forces successfully shoot down a drone at one of the locations where the Guard provides support to the Ministry of Defense.”

Board examinations for Class 12 students in several Middle East countries have been postponed, according to a circular issued by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The exams that were scheduled for March 9, 10, and 11 will be rescheduled at a later date, which will be announced soon. Authorities said the situation will be reviewed again on March 10, after which a decision will be made regarding examinations planned from March 12 onward.

Important Update on Class XII Exams – Middle East Regions

CBSE has issued Circular-4 today regarding the Class XII Board Exams in the Middle East regions.
Details are in the attached Circular pic.twitter.com/MS96pgqEoo

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 7, 2026

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Saturday told residents of a northern Israeli city close to the border with Lebanon to evacuate and head south.

"Warning. All residents of Kiryat Shmona are asked to evacuate immediately. Head south," it said in a statement.

Dubai Police cautioned residents against sharing photos during sensitive situations, warning that images can be misused or taken out of context.

The authority emphasised that avoiding publication of pictures of vital security sites is a national responsibility that helps protect the safety and stability of the community.

Bahrain has intercepted and destroyed 86 missiles and 148 drones since the start of Iranian attacks, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

Oman Air continues to operate its network from Muscat, with Muscat International Airport operating as normal. To support our guests during this period, extra flights are being added from/to Muscat.

8 March 2026:

📍 Istanbul
📍 Cairo
📍 Kuala Lumpur
📍 London Heathrow
📍 Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/3nkUhtPZkB

— Oman Air (@omanair) March 7, 2026

The UAE on Saturday said that its air defence systems were responding to a missile threat. In an X post, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority urged people to remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.

The Ministry of Interior has reassured residents that the situation is currently safe. It advised that normal activities may continue, while urging everyone to stay safe, take the necessary precautions, and to follow official guidance and instructions.