Fujairah Oil Industries Zone (FOIZ) blaze caused by a drone strike originating from Iran
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Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Iran’s strikes on the UAE, describing them as “unjustified and unacceptable” and pledging continued French support for the UAE and regional allies.
“As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” Macron said in a post on X.
Shipping company Maersk said one of its US-flagged commercial vessels has successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under a US military escort. The news came after the US Navy reportedly hit Iranian fast boats amid reports of IRGC attacks on a UAE oil facility.
Benchmark Brent crude futures surged early Tuesday, jumping 5.8% to $114.44 a barrel — up $6.27 — as concerns over supply pressures reverberated across global markets. Murban crude also climbed, gaining 3.4% to $107.30 by about 7:35 a.m. in Tokyo.
US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric to “blow off the face of the Earth” any Iranian vessel targeting the US military in Hormuz Strait or the broader Arabian peninsula underscores how high the stakes are around freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Amid reports that the US Navy has blown up 6 small IRGC boats and the renewed Iranian regime attacks on the UAE, the "double blockade" has hardened: Iran is unable to move millions of barrels of their oil due to the US naval blockade — and Iran's threat over Hormuz choking seaborne trade through the narrow passage for the rest of the world.
It remains uncertain whether the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran will hold, especially after President Donald Trump warned that Iranian forces will be “blown off the face of the Earth” if they attempt to target US ships in the Strait of Hormuz or the broader Arabian Gulf.
The statement comes amid renewed clashes in the strategic waterway, where both sides have exchanged fire. On Monday, US forces destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran as the regime seeks to thwart US naval effort to open shipping through Hormuz.
The US Central Command launched "Project Freedom" on Monday as Trump seeks to wrest control of the critical waterway from Iran.
The Sharjah Private Education Authority has announced a temporary shift to distance learning across all educational institutions in the emirate, including private schools and nurseries.
The measure will take effect from Tuesday, 5 May 2026, until Thursday, 7 May 2026, and applies to all students as well as administrative and teaching staff.
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) tweets: "Following the latest updates by the relevant authorities, all private educational institutions in Dubai will transition to distance learning from May 5 to May 8, 2026. This is to ensure the safety & wellbeing of students, staff, & the wider communit"
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Iranian attacks on the UAE on Monday were "a clear violation of sovereignty and international law".
"These attacks are unacceptable," she said on X, adding that "security in the (Gulf) region has direct consequences for Europe".
The European Commission president said the EU will work with its partners "on de-escalation and diplomatic resolution, to bring an end to the Iranian regime's brutal actions. Both against its neighbours and its own people."
The UAE's air defence systems intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The ministry said that on 4 May 2026, the projectiles were launched from Iran, and the interceptions resulted in three moderate injuries.
Since the start of the Iranian attacks on the UAE, air defence systems have dealt with 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,260 drones.
The budget carrier said via social media: "Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, there may be changes to flight schedules. Customers are advised to check their flight status at before leaving for the airport.
"To keep you informed, timely updates are being sent on your contact details, shared during booking. Should you need any assistance, our support teams remain readily available to help."
"Qatar strongly condemns the renewed Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the sisterly United Arab Emirates using missiles and drones, which resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals," it says in a statement.
"Qatar considers these attacks a blatant violation of the UAE's sovereignty and a serious threat to the security and stability of the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar's full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures taken by the UAE to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. The Ministry also expresses Qatar's wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured."
The Ministry of Education has announced a temporary move to distance learning from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, until Friday, May 8, 2026, for students, teaching and administrative staff across nurseries and all public and private schools nationwide.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has announced a temporary shift to distance learning across all higher education institutions nationwide.
The decision will take effect from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, until Friday, May 8, 2026. Programmes that require in-person attendance, such as clinical training, laboratory use, practical or field-based applications, and on-site examinations, will continue to be conducted physically, in line with guidelines set by the ministry.
Soon after an alert rung out calling on people to find secure spots and to stay away from windows, another - more positive - message filtered through: UAE had dealt with the threat.
