Gulf states under attack: What was targeted in Iranian strikes?

Gulf states are witnessing unprecedented scenes at airports, military facilities, and hotels from Oman to Kuwait amid waves of Iranian missile and drone strikes.

Iran's response has extended from retaliatory strikes on US military bases in the Gulf to targeting civilian areas, as far away as Duqm in central Oman.

The New Arab takes a look at the main places hit in the Gulf over the past 24 hours.

UAE

The UAE has been the country hardest hit in the Gulf by Iran's retaliatory strikes, likely due to Abu Dhabi's close ties with Israel and antagonistic relationship with Tehran.

UAE authorities announced on Sunday that three people have died and 58 injured in the country since start of Iran strikes.

Saturday saw scenes of tourists and residents fleeing falling missile and debris as hotels, airports and other civilian infrastructure were targeted in 137 attempted missile and 209 drone strikes across the country.

Dubai International Airport was damaged in an attack on Saturday, causing four injuries and sparking travel chaos, with flights at the emirate's two airports postponed.

"Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities," Dubai Media Office reported.

Abu Dhabi airport was also targeted by a drone at around midnight Sunday UK time, causing one death and several injuries.

"Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport. The interception led to falling debris, which resulted in one fatality of an Asian national and seven injuries," authorities said.

In Dubai, tourist and residential sites have been hit including the Fairmont Hotel at the Palm Jumeirah, causing a blaze that injured four people.

The luxury Burj Al-Arab Hotel was also targeted in a drone strike on Saturday, causing a fire in the exterior of the iconic building.

"Authorities confirm that a drone was intercepted, and debris caused a minor fire on the Burj Al Arab's outer facade," the Dubai Media Office said.

"Civil Defence teams responded immediately and brought the incident under control. No injuries have been reported."

On Sunday morning, probably the UAE's most well-known landmark and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, was targeted in a strike although it is not thought to have caused major damage.

Other targets have included Dubai's Jebel Ali, where the interception of a projectile caused a fire at one of the port's berths.

Later on Monday, an Iranian drone targeted an Abu Dhabi naval base hosting French forces causing a fire but causing no injuries.

Bahrain

Bahrain is another Gulf state that has come under sustained attack by Iran. It hosts the US Fifth Fleet, whose military facilities were bombed on Saturday.

In the capital Manama, Iranian drones and missiles have hit residential buildings and high rises, including one allegedly hosting US military officers, while debris has caused further damage.

Bahrain's interior ministry said late Saturday it was dealing with damage to three buildings.

The US warned citizens to avoid hotels on Sunday after the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama was damaged in an attack, causing some injuries.

Qatar

Two missiles and a drone targeted the Al-Udeid airbase in Doha, the largest such US facility in the MENA region on Saturday.

Qatar said that it had intercepted 63 missiles and 11 drones on Saturday, with 16 injured and no deaths, with reports of further attacks on Sunday.

The UK Foreign Office has told its citizens in Qatar and other Gulf states to find shelter and avoid all but essential travel to the country.

Kuwait 

Kuwaiti authorities said Sunday its forces had intercepted almost 293 drones and 97 missiles in Iranian attacks on the Gulf state.

Among the first targets of Iran's bombardment was the Ali Al Salem airbase, which hosts American and Western troops, with debris causing damage to the runway and three Kuwaiti servicemen injured.

Several people were also injured in a drone strike on Kuwait International Airport with "limited material damage" to the buildings.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's oil-rich Eastern Region and Riyadh were targeted on Saturday and Sunday by Iran, although there have been no reports of major destruction or injuries yet.

Despite this, Riyadh has summoned Iran's ambassador following the attacks on Gulf states.

"Foreign Ministry summons the Iranian ambassador to the Kingdom in response to Iran’s brazen attacks that targeted the Kingdom and a number of brotherly countries," the ministry said in a statement on X.

There have been unconfirmed reports of oil facilities being targeted by Iranian drones or missiles.

Saudi Arabia had also said it reserves the right to respond to any attacks by Iran.

On Sunday, sources told AFP that Saudi forces had intercepted Iranian missiles targeting Riyadh's international airport and the Prince Sultan Airbase, which houses US military personnel.

Oman

Oman had worked hard to avoid war, brokering indirect talks between Washington and Tehran on finding a solution to Iran's nuclear programme.

It had avoided any retaliatory strikes by Iran on Saturday, perceived in part due to its close relations with Tehran.

On Sunday, however, two Iranian drones hit the port city of Duqm, injuring two workers, while two ships were also targeted off the coast of Oman.

Oman said it "is undertaking all necessary measures to address any actions that may impinge upon the safety of the nation and those residing within it".