Shafaq News- Dubai

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday banned Iranian nationals from entering or transiting through the country on flights operated by Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai, as Iran’s missile and drone attacks on US assets in Gulf states escalate.

Flydubai said holders of the UAE “Golden Visa” remain exempt, while authorities have not issued an official explanation for the travel ban.

Earlier, the UAE said its air defenses intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones in one day, while since the war began it has engaged 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 drones, leaving 11 dead and 178 injured. Explosions from intercepted projectiles were heard across Dubai today, while authorities in Al-Fujairah said one person was killed after drone debris struck a farm.

The UAE has also tightened measures against Iranian-linked institutions, shutting down the Iranian Hospital, the Iranian Club, and several schools, while recalling its ambassador from Tehran and cutting diplomatic ties.

An estimated 400,000 to 500,000 Iranian nationals live in the UAE.