1 dead, 7 injured at Abu Dhabi Airport amid Iranian strikes: What we know so far

Abu Dhabi: At least one person was killed and seven others injured following an “incident” at Zayed International Airport late Saturday, authorities confirmed, as Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted the UAE and other Gulf states amid escalating regional tensions.

The incident occurred after waves of attacks were launched by Iran in retaliation for recent US and Israeli military actions. Explosions were reported across multiple Gulf cities, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

In an official statement posted on X, Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed the incident.

“Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed an incident at Zayed International Airport that resulted in one death of an Asian national and seven injuries,” the authority stated.

Iranian strikes target UAE and Gulf states

The attack on the UAE was part of a broader wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes across the Gulf. Many projectiles were intercepted by air defence systems, but some debris caused damage on the ground.

Smoke and flames were seen rising from parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the iconic Palm Jumeirah, where residents reported loud explosions.

The strikes reportedly targeted US military facilities in the region, including bases in the UAE and Bahrain.

Abu Dhabi hosts US forces at Al Dhafra Air Base, a strategic military installation used by American forces. Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the area following the strikes.

In Bahrain, smoke was also observed near facilities linked to the United States Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Manama.

While officials have not confirmed direct hits on these bases, the visible damage and debris suggest that the strikes or interceptions occurred in close proximity to key military sites.

Following the attacks, security has been significantly tightened across the UAE.