Dubai: Memories of missile strikes by Iranian forces in March, in retaliation to US and Israeli attacks in Tehran, still haunt people of Dubai.
On Friday, those memories were reignited when residents of some parts of Dubai received a missile attack warning alert on their mobile phones. The emergency alert advised people to take necessary precautions in the event of a missile attack.
Fortunately for residents of Dubai, it turned out to be a false alarm as authorities reassured residents that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
The UAE’s Ministry of Interior said the situation was normal. However, the ministry did not explain why the alert had been issued.
During the war between Iran and US-Israel, which began on February 28, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was hit the hardest in the Gulf region as it came under a series of missile and drone attacks that left 13 people dead and 227 others injured.
Two Emirati military personnel, one Moroccan contractor, and 10 foreign nationals from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh lost their lives. Most civilian casualties were caused by falling missile debris and shrapnel after the UAE’s air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles over populated areas.
Iranian strikes also disrupted military infrastructure, diplomatic installations and energy facilities across the UAE.
The aviation sector was badly affected after parts of Dubai International Airport were hit, leading to the closure of airport and cancellation of several flights over several days.
