DUBAI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), received emergency mobile phone alerts on Saturday morning warning of potential missile threats amid ongoing regional hostilities.
The UAE Ministry of Interior asked residents to seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building, stay away from windows, doors and open areas, and await further instructions. Authorities urged the public to rely on official channels for the latest updates.
Loud bangs were heard over both cities on Saturday, witnesses told local media.
The Ministry of Defense said the country's air defense systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. Officials noted that the loud sounds reported by residents were caused by interception operations rather than direct impacts on populated areas.
Sirens were heard around 9:59 a.m. (0559 GMT) at Dubai International Airport, followed by another alarm at about 10:05 a.m. (0605 GMT). Security screening and check-in procedures at the airport were temporarily suspended.
All flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until further notice, according to media reports. ■
