Dubai’s Tranquility Shattered as Iran Intensifies Attacks on UAE

Within hours of the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, smoke engulfed the iconic skylines of the United Arab Emirates. More than a week later, shards of glass still litter upscale neighborhoods in Dubai, remnants of the chaos that has unfolded. The ominous sound of drones continues to send passengers at Dubai International Airport scrambling for safety.

Iran has retaliated against ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes, launching attacks on at least 11 countries and territories. However, the UAE appears to be bearing the brunt of these assaults.

Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port in Dubai after an Iranian attack. (Reuters: Amr Alfiky)

Escalating Attacks

The Pentagon reported that since the conflict began on February 28, over 500 Iranian ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones have been launched across the region. Approximately 1,700 of these missiles and drones have targeted the Emirates, according to the UAE’s defense ministry. Estimates suggest that Iran may have conducted more airstrikes against the UAE than against Israel, which has joined the U.S. in its military operations against Tehran.

The UAE claims to intercept about 90% of these attacks, yet Iranian strikes have affected airports, tourist sites, and even the U.S. consulate in Dubai. The violence has resulted in at least six fatalities and 122 injuries.

In response to the escalating situation, the Australian government announced the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and additional personnel to the UAE. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the growing wave of attacks from Iran poses risks to civilian lives, including the more than 20,000 Australians residing in the UAE.

A Blow to Business

The UAE is home to approximately 11 million residents, with around 90% being expatriates. Over the past three decades, the country has cultivated a reputation as a luxurious tax haven and a hub for business opportunities. The UAE was projected to attract a record 9,800 relocating millionaires last year, according to migration consultancy Henley & Partners.

Dubai’s economy thrives on a blend of trade, tourism, high-end real estate, and financial services. The UAE also possesses 6% of the world’s oil reserves, exporting billions of dollars in petroleum annually. Neighboring Abu Dhabi, which holds over 90% of the UAE’s oil reserves, remains heavily reliant on oil revenue for its growth.

Jessie Moritz, a lecturer at the Australian National University’s Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, stated that Iran’s targeting of the UAE aims to disrupt international commerce. By striking at Dubai, Iran seeks to impose a global cost for perceived threats to its regime.

Military Targets

The UAE is not only an international business hub but also hosts key Western military bases. The UAE Air Force shares Al Dhafra Air Base, located south of Abu Dhabi, with the U.S. Air Force, which has supported missions against Islamic State and conducted reconnaissance in the region. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port serves as the U.S. Navy’s largest port of call in the Middle East.

Iran has vowed to attack American targets in the Gulf region in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes. Ian Langford, a former army director-general with extensive experience in the Middle East, noted that the U.S. has utilized the Al Dhafra airfield for operations against Iran, making it a target for Iranian retaliation.

Australia maintains a military presence in the UAE, with personnel stationed at Al Minhad Air Base, approximately 24 kilometers south of Dubai. Langford described this base as Australia’s regional hub for various operations in the Middle East.

Geographical Firing Line

The UAE has called for de-escalation, asserting that it is being targeted unjustly. Jamal Al Musharakh, the UAE’s ambassador to the United Nations, stated that the country will not participate in any attacks against Iran from its territory. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian contended that Tehran is not attacking its neighbors but rather U.S. military installations in the region.

Langford pointed out that the geographical proximity of the UAE to Iran makes it a likely target for Iranian strikes. The 100 kilometers of water separating the two nations allows for overflight capabilities, making the UAE vulnerable to attacks intended for other Gulf states.

The UAE has committed to defending its territory while striving to prevent the conflict from escalating further. The country possesses advanced air defense systems, including the U.S. THAAD and the French Dassault Rafales fighter jets, along with the U.S. Patriot system, designed to intercept lower-altitude threats.

Close Israeli Ties

Historically, relations between Iran and the UAE have been strained due to territorial disputes and competing regional ambitions. Shahram Akbarzadeh, a professor of Middle East and Central Asian politics at Deakin University, described Iran’s attacks on Gulf states as a sign of desperation. He noted that the UAE has been vocal about Iranian ambitions and was among the first Gulf Cooperation Council states to sign the Abraham Accords, which normalize relations with Israel.

The ongoing conflict is undermining the UAE’s sense of safety and tranquility, directly impacting its financial activities. Long-term political implications are expected to be significant, as the UAE relies on stability to attract global business.

The economic ramifications of the conflict are likely to be felt for years, with civilians across the region bearing the greatest costs of the violence.

As reported by www.abc.net.au.

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Published on 2026-03-11 06:28:00 • By Editorial Desk