Saudi Arabia shot down two ballistic missiles and intercepted six drones near Shaybah, while Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain also reported missile or drone threats and issued civil-defence alerts. Qatar partially resumed limited air navigation; Emirates briefly suspended then partially restored Dubai services. A missile was also intercepted over Aqaba, Jordan. Officials warn that even isolated strikes can disrupt air travel, oil supplies and markets.
Gulf Under Fire: Missiles and Drones Intercepted Over Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Bahrain
Smoke rises above the city, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2026 [Stringer/Reuters]
Multiple Gulf states reported missile and drone interceptions on Saturday as regional tensions escalated and air travel was disrupted. Saudi, Qatari, Emirati and Bahraini authorities said air-defence systems intercepted incoming threats, while a separate missile was reported intercepted above Aqaba, Jordan.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said its forces intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base in al-Kharj. The ministry also reported the interception of six drones that were heading toward the Shaybah oilfield, and earlier confirmed a separate drone was shot down east of Riyadh.
Qatar
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its armed forces intercepted a missile attack on Saturday but did not specify the number of missiles or the precise target. The ministry had earlier reported a wave of 10 drones launched from Iran on Friday; nine were intercepted and one landed in a remote area. The Qatari Civil Aviation Authority announced a partial resumption of air navigation using designated contingency routes with limited capacity, coordinated with the armed forces, including some passenger evacuation flights.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE Defence Ministry said its air-defence systems were responding to incoming missiles and drones and that sounds heard across parts of the country were the result of interceptions. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported several Dubai-bound flights were placed in holding patterns. The Government of Dubai Media Office said debris fell after an interception but denied any incidents inside Dubai International Airport. Emirates airline briefly suspended all Dubai flights before partially restoring service.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior warned residents to move to the nearest safe space after sirens sounded across the kingdom for a second time in hours.
Jordan (Aqaba) and Wider Context
An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that a missile was intercepted above Aqaba, Jordan, which sits opposite Eilat in southern Israel. The developments come amid ongoing exchanges linked to the wider conflict involving Iran, Israel and US regional posture. Regional reporters warned that even isolated strikes can disrupt air travel, global oil supplies and financial markets.
What to watch next: Authorities may update flight operations and civil-defence alerts as the situation develops. Travelers should check official airline and government channels for the latest guidance.
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