UAE braces for fresh spell of unstable weather this week

A period of unstable weather could affect parts of the UAE and Qatar from Monday evening through Wednesday, driven by the passage of a cold upper trough, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS).

Al Jarwan said the system could bring cloud formation and chances of rainfall across parts of the UAE, although the strongest impact is expected in Oman, Al Khaleej newspaper reported.

He added that the current period falls within what is locally known as the “Sarayat” season, a transitional spring phase known in the Gulf for fast-developing weather instability between mid-March and early May.

He explained that this period is typically marked by the formation of convective clouds, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall and occasional hail, as winter low-pressure systems weaken and spring atmospheric disturbances become more active.

During this transition, the subtropical high pressure system begins to strengthen over the northern Indian Ocean and extend towards north-east Africa and southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Al Jarwan also noted that the recent weather system that affected the UAE between March 21 and 28 ranks among the heaviest rainfall events recorded in the country in about 80 years of documented meteorological observations. 

He said weather data collection in the UAE dates back to 1932, when one of the first monitoring stations was established at Sharjah Airport as part of a regional network supporting aviation in the Gulf and Arabian Sea.

GN

US–Israel–Iran War Day 30: Houthis Escalate; Pentagon Weighs Ground Ops

Yemen’s Iran backed Houthis have widened the conflict by firing missiles at Israel and warned they will continue strikes in the coming days. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with the Pentagon preparing plans for potential ground operations in Iran. Follow our live blog for the latest updates as the situation develops.

06:03 PM, 29 March 2026

Israel army says hit key ballistic missile unit in Iran

The Israeli military said on Sunday that overnight it had attacked a key production facility in Tehran used by Iran’s defence ministry to manufacture components for ballistic missiles.

“The site is one of only two of its kind in Iran where critical components were developed for the assembly and operationalisation of missiles set to launch toward the state of Israel,” the military said.

The strikes also targeted facilities linked to ballistic missile engines, drone manufacturing, air defence systems and missile storage.

05:48 PM, 29 March 2026

American University of Beirut moves to online learning after Iran threats

The American University of Beirut (AUB) said on Sunday that it would operate remotely over the next two days, following the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ threat to target American universities in the region.

“At this time, we have no evidence of direct threats against our university, its campuses or medical centres. At the same time, out of an abundance of caution, we will operate fully online on Monday and Tuesday, with the exception of essential personnel,” AUB President Fadlo Khouri said in a statement.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to target American universities in the Middle East after saying US-Israeli strikes had destroyed two Iranian universities.

05:06 PM, 29 March 2026

Meeting of Foreign Ministers kicks off

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey met on Sunday for talks on the war in the Middle East, with Islamabad acting as a go-between between the United States and Iran.

The four-way meeting between the top diplomats saw talks on “a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region”, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.

04:52 PM, 29 March 2026

Iran accuses US of plotting ground attack despite diplomatic talk

The speaker of Iran’s parliament accused the United States on Sunday of plotting a ground attack despite publicly pushing for a negotiated deal, after a US warship with around 3,500 military personnel arrived in the Middle East.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s comments come after more than a month of aerial bombardments by Iran by US and Israeli forces, and as key regional players met to hold talks in Pakistan. “The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Ghalibaf said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

“Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all,” he added.

The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying around 3,500 Marines and sailors, arrived in the Middle East on Friday.

04:47 PM, 29 March 2026

Jordan: Iran targeted Jordan with missile, 2 drones

The Jordan Armed Forces announced on Sunday that Iran had targeted the Kingdom with one missile and two drones over the past 24 hours.

The Military Media Directorate at the General Command said the Royal Jordanian Air Force intercepted the missile and the two drones.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Directorate spokesperson said the relevant units had handled 26 reports over the past 24 hours involving the fall of shrapnel and projectiles.

The spokesperson said no injuries were recorded as a result of the incidents, while minor material damage was reported to three vehicles.

04:41 PM, 29 March 2026

Saudi Ministry of Defence: 10 drones intercepted  in past hours

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence Major General Turki Al-Malki said that 10 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the past hours, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Sunday.

04:29 PM, 29 March 2026

Kuwait Airways to resume Lahore flights via Dammam from April 1

Kuwait Airways said on Sunday it will resume commercial flights to and from Lahore, Pakistan, via Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia, operating two weekly services on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April 1.

Abdulwahab Al Shatti, Acting CEO of  Kuwait Airways, said the carrier is adopting a flexible approach that responds to changing operational conditions while enhancing service readiness for passengers.

He also said the airline is offering a Saudi visa application service for residents, subject to prior booking on Kuwait Airways flights.

03:56 PM, 29 March 2026

Iran says to target USS Abraham Lincoln carrier if it moves within range

Iran’s navy chief Shahram Irani said Sunday that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier would be targeted by the Islamic republic if it comes within range.

“As soon as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group comes within firing range, we will avenge the blood of the martyrs of the Dena warship by launching various types of sea-to-sea missiles,” Irani was quoted as saying by state TV, referring to an Iranian frigate sunk by the US on March 4.

03:33 PM, 29 March 2026

Bahrain imposes night-time sea movement ban 

Bahrain has imposed a night-time ban on maritime movement for fishing and leisure vessels, citing safety concerns amid what authorities described as ongoing Iranian attacks involving missiles and drones.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the restriction will apply daily from 6pm to 4am starting immediately and will remain in force until further notice as part of measures aimed at protecting the kingdom’s coastline and ensuring the safety of citizens and residents.

The ministry urged all seafarers and recreational boat users to comply with the curfew and avoid approaching coastal areas during the restricted hours, warning that violations could result in legal action.

It said the measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance maritime safety and maintain a high level of readiness in light of the current security situation.

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03:31 PM, 29 March 2026

UAE undertakes defence ops

UAE Air Defence systems are actively engaging missiles and drone threats coming from Iran, reported WAM.

Authorities have emphasised that all systems are operational and focused on protecting national airspace and ensuring the safety of residents. The public has been urged to follow official guidance and rely only on verified information as the situation unfolds.

03:22 PM, 29 March 2026

Gargash calls for guarantees in any political solution with Iran

Any political solution to the Iranian aggression against Gulf countries must include clear guarantees to prevent future attacks and uphold the principle of non-aggression, Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has said.

Writing on X, Gargash stressed that any settlement should also include Iranian compensation for the targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure.

Gargash added that Iran had misled its neighbours about its intentions before the war, despite sincere Gulf efforts to avoid escalation.

“Iran deceived its neighbours prior to the war regarding its intentions and revealed premeditated aggression despite their genuine efforts to avoid it, making these two tracks essential in dealing with a regime that has become the primary threat to Gulf security,” he added.

03:07 PM, 29 March 2026

UAE intercepts 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones today 

The UAE air defences engaged 16 ballistic missiles and 42 UAV’s launched from Iran on Sunday.

Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 UAVs.

The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 8 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities.

A total of 178 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.

03:04 PM, 29 March 2026

Pakistan hosts Saudi, Turkey, Egypt for talks

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey were expected to meet on Sunday for talks on the war in the Middle East, with Islamabad acting as a go-between between the United States and Iran.

The four-way meeting between the top diplomats was slated to discuss “a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region”, Pakistan’s foreign ministry has said.

Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty and Hakan Fidan from Turkey arrived in Islamabad on Saturday night while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan touched down on Sunday afternoon.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate bilateral talks with Abdelatty and Fidan on Sunday morning. The visiting ministers then jointly met Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The government in Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the United States as their war drags on, serving as an intermediary for messages between the two sides.

02:55 PM, 29 March 2026

Two more India-bound tankers pass Strait of Hormuz

Two more Indian-flagged tankers carrying LPG passed through the Strait of Hormuz, India’s shipping ministry said Sunday.

Iran, following US-Israel military strikes, has all but halted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas.

Two LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, carrying combined LPG cargo of about 94,000 tonnes were sailing towards India’s coast, the ministry said in a statement.

BW TYR was proceeding towards Mumbai while BW ELM was heading to New Mangalore, the statement said.

Four other Indian LPG tankers had earlier transited the strait, but 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the Gulf region.

02:33 PM, 29 March 2026

F-22 Raptor flies in Middle East for Operation Epic Fury

A US Air Force F-22 Raptor has taken off from a Middle East base as part of Operation Epic Fury, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) sharing images on social media. The stealth fighter, widely regarded as unmatched by any current or projected aircraft, highlights the United States’ air superiority in the region. Military officials say the deployment underscores readiness for high-intensity operations.

02:10 PM, 29 March 2026

Israel’s military warns more targets ahead

Israel and the US are “working in very close coordination” to respond after Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they had launched missiles toward Israeli targets, Israeli military spokesperson Col. Nadav Shoshani told reporters on Sunday.

He declined to provide details on operations against the Iran-backed group, which controls parts of Yemen, but said Israel had grown accustomed to confronting repeated attacks from the Houthis, who have for more than two years launched missiles and drones toward Israel and shipping targets in the Red Sea.

He also said Israeli military statements about nearing completion of top-priority strikes did not mean it was running out of overall targets.

02:08 PM, 29 March 2026

Bahrain destroys 174 missiles, 391 drones since Iran attacks

The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) announced that its air defence systems have successfully intercepted successive waves of hostile Iranian attacks. Since the start of hostilities, BDF forces have destroyed 174 ballistic missiles and 391 drones targeting Bahrain.

The General Command praised the exceptional combat readiness and vigilance of its personnel, commending their sustained operational effectiveness in defending the Kingdom. Bahrain’s forces continue to ensure that the nation’s skies remain secure

01:40 PM, 29 March 2026

Iran’s parliament speaker warns US against a ground invasion

 Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the United States was plotting a ground attack despite publicly engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Ghalibaf said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

Ghalibaf called for unity among Iranians, saying the country was in “a major global war” that was “at its most critical stage”.

01:01 PM, 29 March 2026

Al Araby TV says Tehran office damaged in Israeli strike

Qatari news channel Al Araby reported on Sunday that an Israeli missile had hit the building housing its office in Tehran, causing damage.

“An Israeli missile targets the Al Araby TV channel building in the capital, Tehran… extensive damage and the suspension of live broadcasting,” the channel said in a post on X.

Footage from inside the office showed broken windows, shattered glass and debris. Outside the building, images showed the streets covered in debris along with damage to surrounding buildings.

01:01 PM, 29 March 2026

Ukrainian president leaves Doha

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left Doha on Sunday morning following a working visit to Qatar, the Qatar News Agency reported.

Zelenskyy and his delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Qatar, Andrii Kuzmenko.

12:55 PM, 29 March 2026

‘India well-prepared to handle global disruptions’

India’s supply chain ecosystem continues to stay strong and stable despite rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said on Sunday.

CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal highlighted that essential commodities are adequately stocked nationwide, and proactive coordination between central and state agencies has kept supply chains uninterrupted. He credited PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for strengthening logistics, digital monitoring, domestic production, and diversified sourcing.

CAIT National President B C Bhartia urged traders to maintain normal operations, avoid panic, and ensure consumers face no inconvenience. Both leaders condemned the spread of rumours about shortages, calling such claims baseless and against national interest.

2:32 PM, 29 March 2026

UAE condemns attack on Kurdistan President’s residence

UAE has strongly condemned the attack targeting the residence of Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Duhok Governorate, expressing its concern over this heinous act.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with President Barzani and his family, as well as with the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government during this time.

The Ministry reiterated the UAE’s strong condemnation of such criminal acts and its unwavering rejection of all forms of violence aimed at undermining security and stability.

12:24 PM, 29 March 2026

Turkey’s Foreign Minister meets Pakistani counterpart

Hakan Fidan met Sunday with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, with both sides calling for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions in the Middle East.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides emphasized the need for de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and closer coordination to promote peace and stability in the region.

12:11 PM, 29 March 2026

Two killed as Israeli strike hits home in Lebanon: Report

Two people were killed after an Israeli air strike destroyed a house in the town of Abba in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

The town is located in the Nabatieh governorate, a region that has seen repeated strikes amid rising cross-border tensions. The report added that another overnight strike targeted the city of Nabatieh, causing extensive damage to a shopping centre that houses dozens of shops, offices and medical clinics.

11:14 AM, 29 March 2026

Syria says repelled drone attack from Iraq on US base

Syria’s assistant defence minister said on Sunday that his country’s forces had repelled a drone attack from neighbouring Iraq targeting one of Syria’s last US military bases.

“Earlier today, the US base in Qasrak, located on our territory, was attacked by four drones launched from Iraqi territory,” Sipan Hamo said on X, adding that “the drones were shot down without casualties”.

The attack came a day after Syria’s army said it repelled another drone attack from Iraq aimed at Al Tanf, a base in the southeast which used to house US forces.

11:05 AM, 29 March 2026

Egypt’s foreign minister meets counterpart in Islamabad

Egypt’s top diplomat met Pakistan’s foreign minister in Islamabad Sunday to discuss efforts to help bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table and ease tensions in the region, officials said.

Ishaq Dar and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty will hold bilateral talks on regional developments, according to a statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said that the meeting will discuss “the developments of the military escalation … and de-escalation efforts in the region.”

During a stop in Qatar Saturday, Abdelatty said their efforts aim to establish a “direct dialogue” between the United States and Iran.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Pakistan late Saturday.

10:42 AM, 29 March 2026

Iran FM condemns Israeli killing of journalists in Lebanon

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned Israel’s killing of three journalists in Lebanon the day before.

On his official Telegram channel, Araghchi said the killings amounted to “targeted assassination” and “flagrant violation of international law”.

:22 AM, 29 March 2026

Oman condemns ‘cowardly attacks’, calls for regional stability

The Foreign Ministry of Oman has confirmed that the recent attacks targeting the Sultanate remain unclaimed, with authorities continuing to investigate their origin and motives.

While denouncing all acts of violence and military targeting in the region, Oman reaffirmed its policy of active neutrality. The Sultanate continues to advocate for peace, regional security, and stability, calling for an end to the ongoing war and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to address the root causes of the conflict.

Oman stressed that these principles aim to safeguard the region’s foundations, prosperity, and the safety of its people.

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10:04 AM, 29 March 2026

US, Israeli strikes hit Iran port city near Hormuz strait

US-Israeli strikes on Sunday hit a quay at an Iranian port city near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, killing five people, Iranian state media reported.

“The enemy carried out a criminal attack at the quay of Bandar Khamir, killing five people and injuring four others,” the official IRNA news agency reported.

Earlier on Sunday, AFP reported that a series of loud explosions was heard across parts of Tehran.

The blasts were reported in northern sections of the capital, with smoke visible rising from areas in the northeast, as tensions continue to mount amid broader military operations involving the United States, Israel and Iran

09:18 AM, 29 March 2026

6 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza,

Two Israeli strikes early Sunday killed six Palestinians, including three policemen, in the Gaza Strip, hospital authorities said.

One strike hit a police checkpoint while another hit a group of people in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser hospital, which received the bodies.

The people killed were the latest fatalities among Palestinians in the coastal enclave since an October ceasefire deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

09:07 AM, 29 March 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones over past hours

The official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the interception and destruction of 10 drones over the past hours. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to protect the Kingdom’s airspace and critical infrastructure.

08:07 AM, 29 March 2026

Explosions reported across Tehran, including civilian areas

Iranian state media report multiple explosions in Tehran on Saturday evening, affecting civilian neighbourhoods in the northeast, west, central and eastern parts of the city. Emergency teams have been deployed to respond to the attacks.

The Parchin area, known for military activity, was also targeted. Authorities say other cities, including Mashhad, Kermanshah and Birjand, are experiencing attacks.

08:00 AM, 29 March 2026

Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon, three wounded

The Israeli army announced on Sunday the death in combat of a soldier in south Lebanon.

“Sergeant Moshe Yitzchak hacohen Katz, aged 22, from New Haven, Connecticut, a soldier of the 890th battalion, Paratroopers Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon,” a military statement said.

Five Israeli soldiers have now been killed in fighting in south Lebanon since Hezbollah began launching rocket attacks against Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.

07:42 AM, 29 March 2026

Kuwait intercepts four drones amid Iran‑linked attacks

A spokesperson for the Kuwait National Guard confirmed that a “Task Force” successfully intercepted and destroyed four drone aircraft in the locations it secures.

The action is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security, protect vital sites, and counter potential threats.

07:23 AM, 29 March 2026

Iran attack on Aluminium Bahrain plant injures two

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed its facility was targeted in an Iranian attack on Saturday. The company said two employees sustained minor injuries, while the safety and security of staff remain its top priority.

Alba is assessing the damage and monitoring operations closely, promising further updates as the situation develops. The company is one of the world’s largest aluminium producers.

07:21 AM, 29 March 2026

Bahrain imposes strict ban to protect national security

The Ministry of Interior has announced a total ban on the use of drones across Bahrain, effective immediately and lasting until further notice.

The decision comes as part of efforts to protect national security and civil safety following the recent Iranian aggression against the Kingdom.

The Ministry warned that any drones flown in violation of the ban will be intercepted and destroyed, and legal action will be taken against offenders.

07:16 AM, 29 March 2026

UAE residents told situation safe after emergency alert

UAE residents have received a mobile alert from authorities confirming that the situation in the country is currently safe following earlier warnings about potential missile threats. 

The Air Defence Systems responded to the threat, and authorities had urged residents to remain in safe locations and follow official channels for real-time updates.

07:15 AM, 29 March 2026

Israel activates air defences as Iranian missiles detected

Israel has activated its air defences after detecting missiles launched from Iran and has issued alerts to people in affected areas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged the public on social media:
“Upon receiving an alert, enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.”

07:01 AM, 29 March 2026

UAE responds to missile and drone threats from Iran

The UAE says its air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran, amid rising regional tensions. 

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed that the sounds heard across parts of the country were caused by air defence systems intercepting the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, not by impacts on the ground.

 Authorities emphasised that all systems are operational and focused on protecting national airspace and ensuring the safety of residents. The public has been urged to follow official guidance and rely only on verified information as the situation unfolds.

06:10 AM, 29 March 2026

Kuwait says responding to missile and drone attacks

Kuwait’s military said Sunday it was responding to “hostile missile and drone” threats.

“The general staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces confirms that any explosions that may be heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets,” it said in a post on X.

06:00 AM, 29 March 2026

Dubai property steady as landlords avoid panic selling

Dubai’s property market is holding steady despite recent geopolitical tensions, with landlords staying put while buyers and tenants adjust their decisions.

Data from Smart Bricks shows that around 85% of landlords are not considering selling, even after weeks of heightened uncertainty. The absence of panic selling reflects what owners are seeing on the ground, where daily life and business activity continue without disruption.

05:20 AM, 29 March 2026

Massive protests against Trump across US

Huge crowds of protesters rallied across the United States on Saturday against President Donald Trump, venting their fury over what they see as his authoritarian style of governing, his hardline immigration policies and the war with Iran.

Organisers said “at least 8 million people gathered today at more than 3,300 events across all 50 states,” from big cities and small towns. US authorities provided no national crowd estimate.

04:46 AM, 29 March 2026

Pentagon preparing for ground operations in Iran

The Pentagon is preparing plans for weeks of ground operations in Iran – potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz – though President Donald Trump has not yet approved any deployment, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

Any ground operation would stop short of a full-scale invasion, instead involving raids by special operations forces and conventional infantry troops, the Post said, citing unnamed officials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted on Friday the United States “can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops,” but the Post said planning is advanced, with one official saying: “This is not last-minute planning.”

01:00 AM, 29 March 2026

Qatar defences intercept drones from Iran

The Qatari Ministry of Defence announced that the State of Qatar was targeted on Saturday by a number of drones launched from Iran.

In a statement, the ministry said that the Qatari Armed Forces successfully intercepted all the drones.

12:58 AM, 29 March 2026

UAE responds to missile and drone threats from Iran

The United Arab Emirates says its air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed that the sounds heard across parts of the country were caused by air defence systems intercepting aerial threats.

12:55 AM, 29 March 2026

Houthis announce second missile attack on Israel

Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a second missile attack targeting Israel on Saturday, after stepping into the Middle East war in support of their ally Iran earlier in the day.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said in a statement that the group fired “a barrage of cruise missiles and drones targeting several vital and military sites” in Israel, adding it “coincided with the military operations being carried out by” Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

GN