A missile alert sounded across Dubai Friday only to be swiftly cancelled by authorities, indicating the warning was likely issued by mistake.
The text message, issued by the UAE’s Interior Ministry, caused widespread alarm among residents, after Iranian missiles and drones targeted the UAE during the height of the Iran war.
The warning was issued just after 5:15 p.m. local time but authorities told the public shortly afterward to “disregard the previous warning,” while offering no immediate explanation for what triggered the notification.
The mobile phone alert startled many in Dubai, coming weeks after a ceasefire in the conflict.
Smoke rises above Dubai on March 13, 2026 after explosions rattled buildings at the height of the Iran war (AFP via Getty Images)
The incident unfolded amidst escalating regional tensions, following a suspected Iranian drone attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman on Thursday.
Tehran has increasingly challenged regional powers and the United States over its control of the Strait of Hormuz, despite an existing interim deal in the Iran war.
Shortly after the alert, the Emiratis said a telephone call took place between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Sheikh Abdullah reportedly told Araghchi that the UAE “emphasized the importance of full commitment” to the interim agreement between Iran and the United States.
He added that “serious diplomacy and responsible dialogue are the optimal path for addressing all regional and international crises.”