Local News from Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

The UAE's air defence systems are responding to missile and drone threats from Iran, with authorities advising the public to stay in a safe location.

The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced full operational readiness across all entry points, rolling out a proactive plan to ensure the smooth flow of food, agricultural and animal imports ahead of Eid Al Fitr and rising market demand.

The United Arab Emirates has affirmed that targeting energy facilities linked to the South Pars gas field in Iran represents a serious escalation and constitutes a direct threat to global energy security.

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, has inspected the food supply and procurement operations at Carrefour distribution centre as part of efforts to ensure retailers are well stocked to meet the demands of the community.

The first day of Eid Al Fitr will be marked in the UAE on Friday, March 20.

Sharjah Police have impounded illegally modified bikes and cars after receiving several complaints of noise violations from residential areas, adding that legal action will be taken against violators.

More humanitarian aid under the 'Humaid Air Bridge' has arrived in the Gaza Strip as part of the UAE's Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has regional developments and its serious repercussions on security and stability with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchanged congratulations with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman during a telephone call on Wednesday, on the occasion of the approaching Eid Al Fitr.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing package worth AED4.21 billion that will benefit 2,652 Emirati citizens across the Emirate.

UAE air defences intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones on Wednesday, a statement from the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has allocated 4,631 residential land plots to citizens in Dubai, valued at a total of AED 5.3 billion.

CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, has stated that the aviation hub's recovery has reached 40 per cent of normal traffic movement as it strongly recovers from the ongoing regional developments.

Dubai authorities confirmed on Wednesday that all air interceptions were carried out successfully without any injuries.

Eid Al-Fitr prayers will not be held in open prayer grounds or outdoor spaces, and will be confined to mosques across the country in efforts to ensure the safety of the public.

UAE authorities have announced on Wednesday morning that they are responding to another wave of missile and drone threats from Iran.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held calls with a number of Foreign Ministers and officials to discuss the latest regional developments and the repercussions of Iran’s attacks targeting the UAE and other countries in the region.