One K!lled as M!ssiles and Expl0sions Rock Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh Following US–Israel Str!kes on Iran

Tensions across the Middle East have sharply escalated after explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh—hours after the United States and Israel launched what they termed “major combat operations” against Iran.

According to Reuters, one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after the United Arab Emirates confirmed it had intercepted missiles fired from Iran. A witness near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche reported hearing five rapid booms that caused windows to shake.

In Saudi Arabia, loud explosions were heard across Riyadh, according to AFP, with correspondents confirming a powerful blast followed by multiple detonations. The attacks came after Iran vowed retaliation for the joint US–Israel strikes.

Explosions were also reported in Doha, Qatar, as Iran launched a counteroffensive. An Indian resident, Shailja, told the Hindustan Times the sounds seemed distant, “probably missiles intercepted in the air.” She said her family remained indoors and hoped to travel once airspace reopened.

Earlier, the UAE closed its airspace as the conflict widened. In a statement quoted by Agence France-Presse, the UAE Ministry of Defence described the attack as “a blatant attack by Iranian ballistic missiles” and said its air defences successfully intercepted several of them.

Abu Dhabi condemned the assault as “a dangerous escalation” and said it reserved the right to respond. Kuwait also reportedly engaged incoming projectiles.

The United States Embassy in the UAE instructed staff and American citizens to shelter in place and move to secure locations.

The escalation follows fresh US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with initial impacts reportedly near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Residents in Tehran reported powerful explosions as fears of a broader regional war intensify.