The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) largest oil port and storage facility, Fujairah, as well as Dubai's international airport, have been hit again by drone attacks, as Iran targets strategic transportation and oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.
Flights were temporarily suspended on Monday after a fire broke out near the airport following a “drone-related incident.” A fire also broke out after an attack at the Fujairah port and industrial area, one of the largest oil storage facilities in the region.
Since the start of the war between the US and Israel, and Iran, Iran has launched over 1,900 missiles and drones towards the UAE. Monday's attack was the third incident near Dubai airport, the world's busiest airport for international passengers.
Some flights were delayed, while others were canceled, hitting the Emirates' image as a safe and stable country. The energy sector was also hit, with one drone hitting an oil storage tanker and another causing a fire at oil facilities, temporarily halting loading at the port.
Fujairah is located on the east coast of the UAE, on the Gulf of Oman, so ships do not need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a vital port for oil exports when the main route is blocked by Iran.
“The port of Fujairah can still export oil via pipelines from Abu Dhabi’s fields,” said Justin Harper, CEO Middle East editor in Dubai. Oil analyst Matt Stanley said the attacks show the vulnerability of Gulf infrastructure and are aimed at disrupting the flow of energy.
The port city is the first stop outside the Middle East on the way to India, Singapore and China and supplies ships with fuel, water and food.
Despite the attacks, Dubai's business community remains resilient, with restaurants and shopping malls operating normally.
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