Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport have suspended all flight operations until further notice due to security concerns. The decision follows the closure of airspace across the Gulf region after reports of Iranian attacks that worsened the regional situation. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airports and to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight schedule updates.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have also temporarily closed their airspace, prompting airlines to cancel, reroute, or suspend services as a precaution. Carriers operating from Dubai, including Emirates and Flydubai, have canceled all operations on February 28. The move reflects heightened regional instability following reports of missile and drone launches by Iran toward Israel and related military developments.

The suspension is expected to continue until authorities issue further instructions, with regional air travel likely to remain disrupted in the near term.

The United Arab Emirates’ state news agency reported on Friday that a person was killed when missile debris fell in a residential area of Abu Dhabi. Authorities have not yet released further details about the incident or the number of injured, but damage assessment and area security operations are ongoing. The UAE described the attack as a clear violation of national sovereignty and international law, asserting its full right to retaliate.

Following the incident, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry issued an emergency alert, instructing citizens to move to the nearest safe locations. The country hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. The alert came after a joint U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran, which triggered emergency sirens in Bahrain.

Bahraini authorities have activated precautionary systems and urged the public to remain calm and safe as regional tensions continue to rise.

The United Arab Emirates has condemned Iran for launching missile attacks on U.S. facilities across the Middle East, including the Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense on February 28, 2026, the UAE described the assault as a clear violation of national sovereignty and international law. The ministry said its air defense systems successfully intercepted several Iranian missiles, though one strike hit a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing damage and killing an Asian national.

The statement denounced the attack as a cowardly act targeting civilian and national facilities, warning that such actions endanger the safety and stability of civilians. The UAE reaffirmed its full right to respond to the aggression and to take all necessary measures to defend its territory.

According to the ministry, the UAE remains fully prepared to confront any threats following the incident.

Dubai police have arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities during a citywide operation against begging in the first week of the holy month of Ramadan. The campaign was conducted by the General Department of Criminal Investigation’s Anti-Infiltrators and Criminal Behavior Section, coordinating with all police stations across the city.

The operation is part of Dubai’s annual “Anti-Begging Campaign,” which this year continues under the slogan “A Conscious Society Free of Begging.” The initiative aims to raise public awareness, maintain urban discipline, and protect the city’s image. Key partners include the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities.

According to Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of the Anti-Infiltrators and Criminal Behavior Section, the campaign has achieved notable success in previous years. He said consistent legal action against begging has significantly reduced such incidents, and the latest arrests demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of the initiative.

Huawei has introduced its new smartwatch, the Watch GT 6 Pro, at an event in Dubai. The company claims the device can detect early signs of diabetes risk by analyzing key physiological indicators, going beyond standard functions like tracking heart rate or walking speed. The smartwatch uses Huawei’s advanced photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, a light-based sensor typically used for heart rate and oxygen monitoring, combined with powerful software algorithms.

Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods, the Watch GT 6 Pro does not pierce the skin or use needles. It observes PPG signal variations over a period of three to fourteen days and analyzes the data to predict potential metabolic irregularities. The results are displayed in three levels of risk: low, medium, and high. Tests were conducted on about 150 volunteers under Dubai Health Facilities, supervised by endocrinology and diabetes specialist Dr. Mariam Al Said of Mohammed Bin Rashid University.

Experts cited in the report noted that around 43 percent of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, suggesting Huawei’s warning system could be life-saving for such users.

Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced a pardon for 1,856 prisoners ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive orders their release from correctional and punitive institutions in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed serves as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates as well as the ruler of Dubai.

Dubai’s Attorney General, Chancellor Essam Issa Al-Humaidan, stated that the pardon reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s humanitarian outlook. He explained that the initiative aims to bring joy to the prisoners’ families and help the released individuals start a new life and reintegrate into society. The Dubai Public Prosecution has already begun coordinating with Dubai Police to implement the legal procedures for the release.

According to the report, such humanitarian gestures are undertaken annually by UAE rulers during Ramadan, carrying a positive message across society.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Monday that it will not permit the use of its airspace, land, or waters for any hostile military action against Iran. The UAE’s foreign ministry also reaffirmed that it will not provide logistical support for any such attack. The statement, reported by Anadolu, emphasized dialogue, de-escalation, adherence to international law, and respect for state sovereignty as the most effective means to address the current regional crisis.

The announcement comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran following anti-government protests in Iran triggered by the country’s worsening economic situation. U.S. media reported that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three destroyers have moved toward the Gulf of Oman amid fears of a potential strike on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that a naval fleet is heading to the Middle East and that the situation is being closely monitored.

The U.S. administration has stated that all options, including military action, remain on the table, while Iran has warned of a swift and extensive response to any attack.

Delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in the United Arab Emirates to discuss ways to end the ongoing war. The meeting, held on Friday in Abu Dhabi, marked the first direct and public discussion between Moscow and Kyiv. The talks focused mainly on Russia’s demand for control over parts of Ukrainian territory. The U.S. delegation included three representatives, among them Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The specific agenda of the meeting was not officially disclosed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he was in contact with his country’s representatives during the talks. Earlier, he expressed optimism that the meeting could be a step toward ending the conflict. Speaking in Davos, Zelensky said the core issue remained territorial division, emphasizing that both Ukraine and Russia must be ready for compromise. Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede about 25 percent of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control, while Ukraine proposed creating an economic zone in Donbas and sought security guarantees in exchange for conditional troop withdrawal.

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a new Child Digital Safety (CDS) Law that makes it a legal obligation for parents to monitor and control their children's online activities. The law transforms digital safety from a matter of parental advice into a binding legal responsibility. It imposes strict regulations on harmful online content, excessive digital use, and the collection and use of children’s personal data, assigning clear duties to parents, digital platforms, and service providers.

According to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, 72 percent of children aged eight to twelve use smartphones daily, while only 43 percent of parents regularly monitor their children's online behavior. The CDS Law applies not only to UAE-based companies but also to foreign digital platforms that target Emirati child users. It mandates age verification systems, content filtering, parental control software, and restrictions on advertising aimed at minors.

Legal expert Marina El Hachem stated that parents are now legally required to oversee children’s digital activities, prevent inappropriate account access, protect privacy and security, and report harmful or obscene content to authorities. Neglecting a child’s online safety will be treated as a legal violation under the new law.

The United Arab Emirates has granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners as part of celebrations marking its 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Ittihad. The announcement was made through a press release from the UAE Embassy in Dhaka, noting that the pardon was part of the 2025 Eid Al Ittihad festivities. During this period, the UAE leadership extended clemency to thousands of prisoners from various countries across the nation.

According to officials, the royal pardon program, implemented toward the end of 2025, allowed many inmates, including Bangladeshis, to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families. The initiative is described as a reflection of the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian values and commitment to compassion.

Eid Al Ittihad, observed annually on December 2, commemorates the 1971 unification of the emirates under one flag, symbolizing national unity and solidarity.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has pardoned 25 Bangladeshi nationals who had been convicted in the UAE. The pardon was confirmed in a statement issued by the Emirati Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. According to the embassy, the decision followed a formal request from the Government of Bangladesh.

The individuals were arrested and tried for violating UAE laws after participating in activities linked to protests in Bangladesh during July 2024. Following the pardon, all 25 Bangladeshis have been released and repatriated to Bangladesh. The embassy described the move as a reflection of the UAE leadership’s compassion, tolerance, and commitment to justice, as well as a sign of the deep and brotherly relations between the two nations.

Previous instances of similar pardons were also noted, highlighting the UAE’s humanitarian approach and the generosity of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has updated its visa policy, now requiring citizens from 107 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. This extensive list also covers nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, aiming to streamline travel procedures and enhance security monitoring. Notable countries on the list include Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Kenya, Vietnam, and several Caribbean and Pacific nations. Additionally, UAE authorities have temporarily imposed a ban on tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, Benin, Congo, and Burundi—citing administrative and policy-related reasons. Officials emphasized that this is a temporary measure and may change after policy review. Travelers are strongly advised to check visa requirements before planning trips to the UAE to avoid disruptions.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, arrived in Moscow on August 7 for an official visit. Welcomed with a military ceremony, he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focusing on enhancing bilateral ties in economy, trade, investment, and energy. The leaders also discussed regional and international issues. Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope for positive outcomes from the visit to strengthen UAE-Russia relations and cooperation in various sectors.

As part of its ongoing crackdown on dissent, the United Arab Emirates has designated 11 political dissidents and their relatives as “terrorists.” Human Rights Watch reports that none of the individuals received prior notice or an opportunity to defend themselves. Among them, at least nine are known government critics or closely related to dissidents. Only two of the eleven face charges or convictions related to terrorism. Since 2014, the UAE has declared 83 organizations as terrorist entities, leaving little room for political opposition or protest.

The Houthi Ansarullah movement has threatened missile strikes on the UAE, accusing it of espionage and military collaboration with the United States. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the group’s leader, Mohammad Al-Farah, warned that any Emirati individuals or entities providing intelligence or military aid to the U.S. against Yemen would be considered legitimate targets for Yemeni retaliation.

He emphasized that Yemen’s counterattacks will no longer be limited to Mocha and Shabwa but will extend to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He condemned the UAE’s actions as reckless and an act of betrayal.