Local News from Friday, March 20th, 2026

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings during phone calls with the Emir of Qatar, the King of Jordan and the President of Lebanon.

The UAE said on Saturday early morning it was responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchanged Eid Al Fitr greetings on Friday with the rulers of the Emirates during a series of phone calls.

Two new marine bridges connecting Al Reem Island to the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E12) have opened in Abu Dhabi, in a move aimed at easing congestion and cutting travel times.

The head of cybersecurity for the UAE government has visited Abu Dhabi Police and a number of cyber operations centres on the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

Abu Dhabi Police have arrested 118 people in its annual anti-begging crackdown during the holy month of Ramadan.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, have underscored the need for de-escalation in the region during talks in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi authorities are urging the public to take precautions as unstable weather is forecast from Saturday, March 21, through to Friday, March 27.

UAE air defences have intercepted 4 ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran on Friday, an update from the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have arrested 109 people for filming and sharing "inaccurate" videos on social media during recent regional developments in a bid to spread misinformation and cause public fear.

The Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans initiative has collected AED3.3 billion during Ramadan under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UAE has welcomed the decision of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Council, which strongly condemns Iran's threats and attacks against vessels and its purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said he remains "confident that our region will overcome its current challenges", while extending Eid Al Fitr wishes to the UAE community and Muslims around the world. 

Dubai authorities have confirmed the success of all air interception operations early on Friday, with no injuries reported.

UAE air forces have announced early on Friday that they are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

Dubai’s Event Security Committee has implemented comprehensive safety measures for Eid Al Fitr.