Dubai: Airlines in the UAE, including Emirates and flydubai, announced on Wednesday that Iranian nationals are currently not permitted to enter or transit through the country. The update, published on airline websites and reported by Xinhua, comes amid growing security concerns across the region.

However, an exception has been made for Iranian nationals holding the UAE’s Golden Visa, who are still allowed entry under the revised rules.

The development follows heightened military activity in recent days. According to UAE Ministry of Defence, the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran on Sunday.

Providing a broader operational update, the Ministry stated that since the start of what it described as Iranian aggression, UAE forces have intercepted a total of 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,914 drones.

The attacks have resulted in casualties, with the Ministry confirming the deaths of two armed forces personnel and a civilian contractor, alongside eight additional fatalities. A total of 178 individuals were injured, with cases ranging from minor to severe.

The Ministry reiterated its readiness to respond to any threats, affirming its commitment to safeguarding national security, sovereignty, and stability.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting key industrial facilities in the region. In a statement carried by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the IRGC said it conducted a coordinated operation using missiles and drones against sites it alleged were linked to US military industries.

Among the named targets were the Emirates Global Aluminium facility in the UAE and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). The IRGC claimed these facilities support American defence production and said the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as attacks on Iran’s own industrial infrastructure.