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New Delhi: Residents across Dubai were briefly alarmed on Friday after authorities in the United Arab Emirates issued an incoming missile alert on mobile phones. However, within minutes, officials withdrew the warning and instructed the public to disregard the earlier notification.
The emergency message, sent by the UAE’s Interior Ministry, triggered panic among many residents as mobile phones displayed the warning shortly after 5:15 pm local time. A second message was sent soon after, asking people to ignore the previous alert.
UAE authorities later said the alert was triggered by a technical malfunction. No missile strike or aerial threat was confirmed.
The incident came at a time when tensions in the Gulf region remain high despite an interim ceasefire understanding between Iran and the United States. The sudden alert unsettled residents because it was the first such warning in Dubai since the ceasefire phase began.
The alert also came amid fresh regional concerns after Iran was suspected of carrying out a drone attack on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman. The alleged incident has added to worries over security around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
Shortly after the alert was withdrawn, the UAE said Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the need for full commitment to the interim understanding between Iran and the United States.
He also underlined that serious diplomacy and responsible dialogue remain the best path to address regional and international crises.
The incident has once again highlighted the tense security environment in the Gulf region, where even a brief emergency alert can trigger widespread concern among residents.
