The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence says its air defence systems are actively responding to “incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, with loud sounds heard across cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi being caused by interception operations.

Officials clarified that the noise residents are hearing is from air defences intercepting missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, not direct strikes on populated areas, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

Residents have been urged to stay in safe locations and follow official updates as the situation continues to unfold.