UAE issues, then lifts missile alert over Dubai, Sharjah

DUBAI, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The UAE's Ministry of Interior lifted an emergency alert shortly after it was issued to mobile phones across Dubai and Sharjah on Monday afternoon, which had warned residents to seek shelter due to a potential missile threat.

"We assure you that the situation is safe," the ministry said.

Earlier, the alert had advised residents: "Due to the current situation and potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the nearest secure building. Stay away from windows, doors and open areas. Await further instructions."

The warning marked the first emergency alert in about a month. Authorities did not specify the source of the reported threat.

Starting in late February 2026, after the United States and Israel launched a major strike on Iran, Tehran launched a sustained campaign involving hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Emirati infrastructure.

While the UAE's defense systems intercepted most of the incoming threats, falling debris caused civilian casualties and damage to industrial facilities, including an AWS data center and oil infrastructure.

Also on Monday, the UAE condemned an "Iranian drone attack" on commercial vessels linked to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as they transited the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a "blatant violation" of UN Security Council resolutions that stress freedom of navigation and prohibit attacks on commercial shipping or disruption of international maritime routes. It said two drones were used in the attack. No injuries were reported. Enditem