Drone strike triggers fire at UAE’s Fujairah oil zone amid escalating Gulf tensions

A fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone on Monday following a drone attack originating from Iran, according to UAE authorities, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions that also saw missile interceptions over Emirati waters.

Civil defence teams were immediately deployed to contain the blaze, the Fujairah Media Office said, adding that three Indian nationals sustained moderate injuries and were transferred to hospital for treatment.

Separately, the UAE defence ministry said on X that its forces intercepted three Iranian missiles over its waters, while a fourth missile fell into the sea.

In parallel developments, Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy issued a map claiming expanded areas under Iranian control near the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly including UAE ports such as Fujairah and Khorfakkan, as well as coastal areas of Umm Al Quwain, according to Iranian media reports.

Following the attacks, UAE authorities issued mobile alerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai warning residents of possible missile activity.

The strike disrupted a period of relative calm in the UAE since a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between Washington and Tehran took effect on April 8, which had paused more than two months of fighting in the Gulf region.

During the earlier conflict period, UAE authorities had said thousands of drones and missiles were intercepted and destroyed.

Monday’s incident also revived concerns over Fujairah’s strategic role in global energy flows. The emirate has previously been targeted, including a March 14 drone attack on the Port of Fujairah that caused fires and led to temporary suspension of oil-loading operations.

Fujairah holds critical importance for UAE crude exports as it is linked to the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline, which transports oil from inland fields to the Gulf of Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and allowing continued exports even during disruptions in the waterway.