Timeline
March 15, 2026 — March 23, 2026
World
Timeline: How Iranian Drone Strikes Paralyzed UAE Energy Infrastructure Over 9 Days
Between March 14-23, 2026, the United Arab Emirates faced a sustained campaign of Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure and transportation hubs amid the broader US-Israeli war with Iran. The strikes repeatedly halted operations at Fujairah port—the UAE's only oil export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz—disrupted Dubai's international airport, and damaged gas facilities, creating significant disruptions to global energy markets.
11 events · 8 days · 16 source articles
Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Major
First Iranian drone strikes hit UAE oil port and Baghdad
Drone and missile attacks struck targets including the UAE's Fujairah port and the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on March 14. A drone attack on Fujairah sparked a fire near energy facilities after debris from an intercepted drone fell on the port area. The attacks marked Iran's retaliation as the US-Israeli coalition war continued to escalate across the Middle East.
Sun, Mar 15, 2026
Moderate
Fujairah port resumes oil loadings after initial strike
Oil-loading operations at Fujairah resumed following the Saturday drone strike and fire that had forced a temporary halt to exports. The brief resumption would prove short-lived as Iran continued its campaign against UAE infrastructure.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Major
Dubai airport suspends flights after drone ignites fuel tank
Dubai International Airport temporarily halted all flights after a drone strike targeted facilities near the airfield, igniting a fuel tank and causing a major fire. Civil defense crews worked to bring the blaze under control while the suspension disrupted one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. The attack came as President Trump demanded other countries help secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Major
Fujairah port hit again, forcing second suspension of oil loadings
The Fujairah port was struck for a second time, forcing another suspension of oil loading operations. The repeated attacks on the UAE's only export route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz raised serious concerns about regional energy security and global oil supplies.
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Moderate
Rocket attack kills Palestinian civilian in Abu Dhabi
A rocket attack killed a Palestinian national in their car on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, according to the city's Media Office. The incident represented an escalation beyond infrastructure targets to include civilian casualties, demonstrating the expanding scope of Iranian attacks across the UAE.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
UAE intercepts missiles and drones, briefly closes airspace
Explosions were heard over Dubai early Tuesday as the UAE military intercepted incoming Iranian missiles and drones, forcing the country to briefly close its airspace. The escalation coincided with Israeli strikes on Tehran and Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Moderate
Third drone attack sparks fire at Fujairah oil zone
Another drone attack sparked a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, though authorities reported no casualties. The repeated strikes on Fujairah demonstrated Iran's sustained focus on disrupting the UAE's energy infrastructure as the conflict entered its third week.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Fujairah suspends oil loadings for third time
The Fujairah port suspended oil loadings for the third time in days following the latest series of drone strikes. The mounting war-related halts at the UAE's only crude oil export route outside the Strait of Hormuz continued to pile pressure on global energy markets.
Tue, Mar 17, 2026
Major
Major UAE gas field set ablaze by drone strike
A large natural gas field in the UAE was set ablaze after a drone strike, representing a significant escalation in attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. The strike on gas facilities, combined with the ongoing halt at Fujairah oil port, intensified pressure on both regional and global energy supplies.
Thu, Mar 19, 2026
Moderate
UAE closes Iranian hospital as crackdown intensifies
An Iranian hospital in Dubai was closed as part of a wider UAE crackdown on Tehran-linked institutions, reflecting the deteriorating relationship between the two countries. The move came as the UAE entered its third week of sustained Iranian attacks on critical infrastructure.
Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Moderate
UAE's largest gas processing plant resumes operations
The UAE resumed operations at its largest natural gas processing plant after the attack the previous week had forced a halt to the facility vital for supplying much of the country's gas requirements. However, most liquefied natural gas (LNG) output remained idled as the country continued to assess security risks.
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